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Wiesbaden's Fasanerie Park invites you to meet its surprisingly charming tarantulas

Think tarantulas are terrifying? Think again. Nature educator Annette Kirsch introduces her pet tarantula, Curly, to prove these creatures are far more fascinating—and cuddly—than you'd expect.

The image shows an open book with a drawing of a tarantula on it. The book is filled with detailed...
The image shows an open book with a drawing of a tarantula on it. The book is filled with detailed illustrations of the spider, along with text describing its features.

Wiesbaden's Fasanerie Park invites you to meet its surprisingly charming tarantulas

A unique event called Experiencing Nature: Spiders—Surprisingly Charming will take place at Wiesbaden's Fasanerie Animal and Plant Park on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Nature educator Annette Kirsch will lead the session, aiming to change perceptions of these eight-legged creatures. Entry to the event costs €6.00 and runs from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Annette Kirsch has long argued that tarantulas are far more charming than their reputation suggests. During the event, she will introduce visitors to her own pet tarantula, Curly, to demonstrate their gentle nature. Kirsch will also share fascinating facts, such as the Goliath birdeater—a species with a 12-centimetre body and a leg span reaching 28 centimetres, making it the world's largest tarantula.

Unlike traditional pets like cats and dogs, tarantulas require surprisingly little upkeep. A weekly meal of cockroaches or live worms keeps them healthy, and females can live for up to 25 years. Kirsch will explain their biology, including their segmented bodies—comprising a cephalothorax and abdomen—and how they spin webs using specialised spinnerets. Those who miss this session can attend another tarantula-focused event at Fasanerie Park on April 15. Kirsch will also return to the park the following day, March 30, for further discussions on unconventional pets.

The event offers a chance to see tarantulas up close and learn about their care. Visitors will leave with a better understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures. Tickets are available for €6.00, with the session taking place in the park's educational area.

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