This review assesses the quality and suitability of various arachnid enclosures at a zoo, offering a critter keeper's perspective on the habitats provided. The evaluation covers a range of species, including tarantulas (both terrestrial and arboreal) and scorpions, examining crucial aspects like substrate depth and type, humidity levels, water accessibility, hiding places, and overall enclosure design. The analysis aims to highlight both exemplary enclosures and those requiring significant improvements to ensure the well-being and natural behaviors of the animals. Each enclosure is individually critiqued, providing specific recommendations for enhancements where necessary.The review identifies a concerning disparity in the quality of care, with some enclosures demonstrating excellent adherence to species-specific needs, while others fall drastically short. Specific issues highlighted include inadequate substrate, insufficient humidity, unsafe heights for terrestrial species, and a lack of environmental enrichment. The findings underscore the vital importance of providing species-appropriate habitats that prioritize the health, safety, and natural behaviors of the animals, urging zoos to prioritize practical care over aesthetic appeal where necessary.
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Mexican Redknee Tarantula Enclosure
The Mexican redknee tarantula enclosure, while mimicking its natural habitat, presents a safety concern. Its elevated position is risky for this terrestrial spider, increasing the chance of a fatal fall. Despite the presence of a hide and water dish, the height significantly detracts from the overall safety and well-being of the tarantula.
Improvements are crucial for this enclosure. Lowering the setup and providing a safer, more stable environment would drastically improve the tarantula's living conditions. Providing more substrate would also increase safety during falls.
Emperor Scorpion Enclosure
The Emperor Scorpion enclosure, while generally well-designed, suffers from dryness and an unsuitable water source. The lack of humidity and a rock obstructing the water dish pose significant challenges to the scorpion's health and comfort.
Addressing the humidity issue and ensuring readily accessible water are vital improvements. A more appropriately sized water dish without obstructions is crucial to the scorpion's well-being.
Flat Rock Scorpion Enclosure
The Flat Rock Scorpion enclosure raises concerns about the scorpion's health and vitality. The unusual tail position and the scorpion's hidden nature cast doubt on its well-being. Despite the appropriateness of the enclosure itself, the lack of visible activity warrants closer inspection.
Further observation is essential to determine the scorpion's health. Ensuring proper hydration and environmental conditions are met is paramount. While the enclosure is suitable, monitoring the scorpion's behavior is crucial.
Aphonopelma hentzi Enclosure
The *Aphonopelma hentzi* enclosure presents a mostly positive impression with ample water and plant life. However, the sandy substrate is less ideal compared to Eco Earth. While the enclosure's size is acceptable, the substrate choice needs improvement.
The choice of substrate is the main area for improvement. Switching to a more suitable substrate, such as Eco Earth, would improve this already good enclosure, enhancing humidity and burrowing opportunities.
Desert Hairy Scorpion Enclosure
The Desert Hairy Scorpion enclosure lacks stimulation and visual appeal. The limited hide and plain sand substrate offer minimal enrichment for the scorpion. The lack of environmental complexity creates a visually unappealing space.
Adding climbing structures, varying textures, and additional hides would drastically improve the scorpion's environment. This would offer much-needed enrichment and create a more stimulating living space.
Black Widow Enclosure
The Black Widow enclosure is well-designed, providing ample webbing space with branches. The spider has clearly established its web, indicating a comfortable environment. This enclosure is a great example of how to house a black widow spider.
No significant changes are needed for this well-executed enclosure. The provision of branches for web-building is ideal and supports the black widow's natural behavior.
Chile Rose Hair Tarantula Enclosure
The Chile Rose Hair Tarantula enclosure is poorly designed. Excessive height, minimal substrate, and a general lack of enrichment create an unsuitable environment for this species. It's a stark contrast to the generally good standard seen in other enclosures.
This enclosure desperately needs improvement. Adding a significant amount of substrate and eliminating unnecessary height would be a major step towards providing a suitable habitat.
Davus pentaloris Enclosure
The *Davus pentaloris* enclosure is moderately successful, providing hides and a water dish. However, the substrate mix is less than ideal for this opportunistic burrower. While it offers shelter, the substrate hinders natural behaviors.
Improving the substrate is key. A deeper, softer substrate that allows for burrowing would be a significant enhancement. This would enable the tarantula to express its natural digging behavior.
Ceratogyrus darlingi Enclosure
The *Ceratogyrus darlingi* (Baboon Tarantula) enclosure shows some positive aspects, like damp substrate. However, the small amount of substrate and the items placed in the water dish are issues. The overall design could be improved with substrate improvements.
Increasing the amount of substrate, removing objects from the water dish, and providing more hides would create a more suitable habitat. This would allow for better humidity regulation and avoid potential hazards.
Haplopelma lividum Enclosure
The *Haplopelma lividum* (H. lividum) enclosure is well-designed, with a pleasing visual aesthetic and suitable hiding spots. The spider is visible, suggesting a comfortable environment. The arrangement promotes the species' natural behaviors.
This enclosure requires minimal improvement. It already provides a suitable environment for the species, meeting the needs for both shelter and visual appeal.
Psalmopoeus cambridgei Enclosure
The *Psalmopoeus cambridgei* enclosure excels with its height, providing ample space for web-building. The deep substrate maintains humidity, and the overall design is visually appealing and species-appropriate. This represents a high standard of arachnid care.
This enclosure serves as a model for creating a suitable environment for arboreal tarantulas. The integration of height, substrate, and visual elements creates a thriving habitat.
Overall Conclusion
The zoo's tarantula enclosures show a mixed bag of successes and failures. Some enclosures, particularly those for the Black Widow and Psalmopoeus cambridgei, exemplify excellent care. Others, like the Chile Rose Hair and the Mexican Redknee enclosures, require significant improvements to ensure the animals' safety and well-being.
While some enclosures prioritised aesthetic appeal over practical care, the successful designs highlight the importance of providing sufficient substrate, appropriate humidity, and hiding places tailored to each species' needs. Zoo's should take note of these best practices to meet the needs of all the species under their care.