PREVIEW

An Australian zoo has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its ongoing funnel-web spider program. A female funnel-web spider laid an egg sac a month earlier than expected, marking a significant achievement in the Australian Reptile Park's unique program and the first egg sac of the season. The exciting development was made possible by replicating the natural onset of spring through a slight increase in the temperature of the spiders' controlled environment.

The event is credited to the keen observation and expertise of the Australian Reptile Park's Spider Keeper, Emma Teni, who noticed specific features in the spider - particularly its swollen abdomen - and identified her as potentially gravid. Emma closely monitored the spider and provided care, creating the ideal conditions for it to feel safe and healthy enough to lay its egg sac. Emma's instincts were accurate, and she now proudly oversees the care of the new mother and her precious egg sac.

Once hatched in October, the spiderlings will be raised at the Park until they are mature enough to join the Park's lifesaving venom milking program. The Australian Reptile Park is the only facility in Australia that milks funnel-web spiders for their venom, which is then processed into antivenom, saving countless lives each year.