What:
Described as the size of a small dinner plate when she arrived at Woodland Park Zoo in May, the massive spider, a native of South America, has molted for the first time since she’s been here at the zoo. According to Spider World keeper, Erin Sullivan, her molt-skin is as big as a person’s face. This means the live spider is now larger than that! Media are invited to get a late-summer update on the even more enormous tarantula - and all of the other spiders on display at Masters of the Web, the zoo’s spider exhibit presented by Washington Mutual.

Masters of the Web runs through October 31, 2004. The exhibit aims to help visitors better understand the important role of spiders in ecosystems and in our everyday lives. Three segments weave Masters of the Web together: Web Courtyard, Spider World and Spiders on Trial. The exhibit includes amazing structures built by spiders, from 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 redknee 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 while dispelling spider myths.

When:
Friday, August 20, 10:00 a.m.

Where:
Enter the zoo through the ARC near the West Gate at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Staff will escort you to Masters of the Web.

Info:
For more information check out the Masters of the Web section of Woodland Park Zoo’s Web site. For general zoo information, log on the zoo’s Web site or call 206-684-4800.

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.