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In with the spiders
Spider in hands
ZSL London's new exhibit is set to bring people face-to-face with amazing spiders from around the world.

Europe's first walk-through spider enclosure to open in London

Europe's first walk-through spider enclosure is set to open at ZSL London Zoo in a bid to change people's perspective of the arachnid.

Opening on Saturday, 23 May 'In with the spiders' will bring the public face-to-face with amazing spiders from around the world in a completely unique and immersive experience.

Visitors will first get acquainted with the UK native species and regular house guest 'spider in a bathtub', before meeting captivating and exotic species such as the huntsman, black widow and giant bird-eating spiders.

Visitors will then discover the true meaning of 'up close' as they enter into the forest home of uniquely sociable spiders and stunning, golden orb spiders. Here they can pose for a picture in front of the 'Spider Selfie' mirror.

A glimpse inside the spider nursery will allow visitors to see the varied breeding work carried out by keepers, and hopefully a sneak peek of tiny spiderlings too. The exhibit will also be home to the fen raft spider, one of the UK's most endangered animals.

Furthermore, celebrating the creature whose very name has been slandered over the years, the Zoo hope that 'Talking tarantula' will help to dispel the myths surrounding spiders to reveal why they are in fact friend, not foe.

London Zoo already knows a thing or two about converting spider haters into spider-lovers. Their hugely successful Friendly Spider Programme is carefully designed to ease or eliminate the condition of arachnophobia. Led by ZSL's head of invertebrates Dave Clarke, in conjunction with John Clifford at the Centre of Clinical Hypnosis, success is measured by participants catching a house spider under a glass and taking it outside.

"Visitors are sure to leave the exhibit with a new-found appreciation for arachnids," said a Zoo spokesperson.

In with the spiders is included in the entry ticket price. For more information visit www.zsl.org.

Image (C) ZSL London

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.