What:
Don’t miss the opening of Woodland Park Zoo’s new spider exhibit, Masters of the Web presented by Washington Mutual. Masters of the Web transforms “Bug” World and the Forest Farm & You building into the fascinating world of spiders. Beginning May 29 through October 31, 2004, discover the amazing traits of a variety of exotic and local spiders: the mystery of web building and silk weaving, how spiders capture and kill prey, which spiders are dangerous and which ones aren’t. Also enjoy a variety of interactive and fun family experiences. Masters of the Web aims to help people better understand the role of spiders in different ecosystems and their roles in our daily lives.

Opening weekend festivities include special spider presentations, up-close spider encounters, arts and crafts, spider tattoos, interactive game demonstrations and much more. Activities are free with zoo admission.

When:
Grand opening: Saturday, May 29, 9:30 a.m.
Opening festivities: Saturday-Sunday, May 29-30, beginning 9:30 a.m.

Saturday:

• 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Tattoo booth, Family Farm entrance
• 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Wiz Kids Heroclix Game demonstration and giveaways, Family Farm
• 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Radio Disney live remote with Radical Rob, Family Farm
• 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Webs of Wonder Cart, Web Garden
• 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Spiders on Wheels. See a tarantula up close, Web Courtyard
• 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Spider Moments, Web Courtyard
• 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Spider activities, Discovery Barn
• 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.: Zoopreme Court "The Trial of Sammy Spiderstomper," Open Air Theater

Sunday:

• 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Tattoo booth, Family Farm entrance
• 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Webs of Wonder Cart, Web Garden
• 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Spider Moments, Web Courtyard
• 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Spider activities, Discovery Barn
• 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m.: Zoopreme Court "The Trial of Sammy Spiderstomper," Open Air Theater

Where:
Masters of the Web is located in the Temperate Forest zone just north of the zoo’s Family Farm near the South Gate at N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.

Info:
Masters of the Web is free with zoo admission. For more information about Masters of the Web, check out the Masters of the Web section of the zoo's Web site. For general zoo information, log on the zoo’s Web site or call 206-684-4800.

Zoo admission: Adult (13-64) $10; Child (3-12) $7; Toddler (0-2) Free. Seniors and disabled receive a discount and zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round.
Parking: $3.50. Parking is limited. Please call Metro at 206-553-3000 for bus service to the zoo.

Other:
Three segments weave Masters of the Web together: Web Courtyard, Spider World and Spiders on Trial. The exhibit includes amazing structures built by spiders, whether they are the familiar but elaborate spirals woven by orbweavers, funnel webs, or the silk-lined burrows of ground-living spiders. It also highlights the amazing adaptations of spiders such as the big and beautiful Mexican red-knee tarantula, the cool camouflage of the green lynx spider, the diving abilities of fishing spiders and many more. Interpretive signs include information about living safely among local spiders, dispelling spider myths and revealing the truths about them.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, top award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.