Australian Reptile Park open first funnel-web egg sac bred in captivity
It will make your skin crawl, give you nightmares, but watch the historic moment keepers from the Australian Reptile Park open the first funnel-web egg sac bred in captivity.
Central Coast
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The first funnel-web egg sac bred in captivity has been opened in a skin crawling video released by the Australian Reptile Park today.
The video shows more than 100 deadly funnel-web spiders emerging from the egg sac and comes just weeks out from the start of funnel-web season.
It was an exciting moment for keepers who took on the task of opening the egg sac full of baby funnel-webs which will be raised in the park and contribute to the lifesaving antivenom program.
The park has a 10 other egg sacs in captivity that are also expected to hatch shortly.
This was a historic moment for the park following the launch of the “spider container”, a room filled with 3000 funnel-web spiders which contribute to research of the species and the Australian Reptile Park’s antivenom program.
“Our aim is to milk 3000 funnel-web spiders annually to send the raw venom we milk to Seqirus, who create the antivenom for hospitals around Australia,” Head of Spiders Kane Christensen said.
“We’re so excited to call this a step in a right direction and a true indication on how hard our keepers are working.”
Mr Christensen said it was still important for the park to receive spiders handed in from the public.
“Catching funnel webs can be a safe practice for sensible adults,” he said.
“When collecting spiders adults should be equipped with a spider safety kit including a glass jar with air holes in the lid, and a plastic ruler to guide the spider into the jar.
“We encourage parents to educate children that should they locate a spider of any kind that they find a parent immediately and do not try and touch the spider with their hands.”
Funnel-web spiders are often found in sheltered, shady spots, which are always cool, humid and often damp. Common areas include in shoes left outside, laundries and around pools.
They are an extremely aggressive spider and can be expected to stand their ground and defend themselves.
Funnel-web drop off points across NSW include Brookevale Greencross Vets, Australian Reptile Park, John Hunter Hospital, Hawkesbury City Council, Gosford Hospital, Hornsby Hospital, Wyong Hospital, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Wyoming Greencross Vets, Northside Emergency Veterinary Service, Vital First Aid West Gosford, Sutherland Hospital, Symbio Wildlife Park and Westmead Hospital.
The Australian Reptile Park website features a safety and capture video online. Visit www.reptilepark.com.au