Vital Venoms and Practical Poisons

We’re getting on board with BIAZA’s campaign this October half term, celebrating venomous creatures within zoos!

When you think of zoo’s and the conservation of animals, you would usually think of the ‘heavy hitters’ such as penguins and rhinos.  It’s sometimes easy to forget about venomous creatures such as snakes, spiders and frogs and the fact that these animals are just as vital to science and for our ecosystems.

Green and Black Poison Dart Frog in Tropical Trails

At the end of October – The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), of which we are members, is highlighting these animals and the fascinating role they play. With Halloween just around the corner there’s no better time to dispel some common myths around these creatures and to help turn fear of these venomous creatures, into fascination and appreciation!

BIAZA’s Vital Venoms & Practical Poisons campaign runs throughout the last week of October

During half term, our zoo team will display some helpful posters around our Tropical Trails exhibit, highlighting the importance of some of the world’s venomous creatures. From the humble honeybee, to the Gila Monster – we’ll be letting guests know just how useful venom can be to treat many diseases such as diabetes and even in the fight against cancer!

One of our Gila Monsters from the Tropical Trails exhibit

So if you’re visiting us this half term – as well as having some Halloween fun with our scarecrow trail and spooky card hunts – make sure you stop by our Tropical Trails exhibit and find out more about the world of ‘Vital Venoms and Practical Poisons’ (and say hello to some of our very own venomous friends)!