Zoo Urges Public to Donate Funnel-Web Spiders for Antivenom

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Australian Reptile Park urgently calls for public donations of deadly funnel-web spiders after experiencing an unusually slow season for their lifesaving antivenom program.

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The male Sydney funnel-web spider packs enough venom to kill a human in just 15 minutes, making it one of the world's deadliest arachnids.

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Since the antivenom program began in 1981, not a single death has been recorded from funnel-web spider bites in Australia.

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Creating just one vial of antivenom requires between 150 and 200 "milkings" from male spiders, which possess venom six times more toxic than females.

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Spider keeper Emma Teni warns that upcoming autumn conditions with high humidity and rainfall create the perfect environment for funnel-web spiders to become more active.

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Brave Aussies can safely capture these deadly spiders using a smooth jar and long-handled spoon before delivering them to the park or designated drop-off locations.

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The park also accepts donations of funnel-web egg sacs, which contain up to 150 baby spiders that can be raised specifically for the antivenom program.

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With mature funnel-web spiders living only about one year, the park relies on constant public donations to maintain their supply of 2,000+ spiders for venom collection.

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The Australian Reptile Park remains the only facility in the country collecting funnel-web venom, making public participation critical to saving lives across Australia.

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