Australia’s Funnel-Web Spider Donations: A Life-Saving Initiative for Antivenom

CNN —

Encountering an enormous, deadly funnel-web spider perched on her egg sac can evoke sheer panic, with the instinct to flee being a natural response.

However, the Australian Reptile Park, situated in New South Wales, is imploring the nearby residents of Sydney to quell that instinctive fear. They are urging the public to maintain composure and carefully capture both the spider and her precious egg sac in a secure container, emphasizing the crucial role these efforts play in producing life-saving antivenom.

The funnel-web spider, particularly notorious for its venomous bite, is a significant concern, especially since the most dangerous species resides in and around the Sydney area. Historically, prior to the antivenom’s availability in 1981, funnel-web bites claimed the lives of 13 individuals. Fortunately, since the introduction of the antivenom, there have been no reported fatalities linked to these bites.

Each November, coinciding with the onset of the spiders’ breeding season, the Australian Reptile Park makes this urgent appeal to the public. They underscore the significance of community participation in the life-saving initiative, as the zoo stands as the sole source of funnel-web spider antivenom, a process requiring the meticulous collection and milking of these spiders.

“The breeding season is upon us, and the current weather conditions are ideal for spider activity,” stated the zoo’s spider keeper, Emma Teni, emphasizing the increased reliance on public donations this season. “Given that male funnel-web spiders have significantly short lifespans, and with around 150 spiders needed to produce just one vial of antivenom, we count on the generosity of the public to ensure a sufficient supply of venom to meet growing demands.”

These spiders thrive in cool, damp environments filled with lush vegetation, yet they often find their way into households. The zoo cautions individuals that funnel-webs can frequently be hiding in unexpected places such as piles of laundry, shoes left outside, swimming pools, or within garden debris.

In a series of informative videos shared across the organization’s social media platforms, Teni provides a step-by-step guide on how to safely collect a funnel-web spider, utilizing a long spoon to gently guide it into a jar.

“Our goal is to encourage the spider and her egg sac into the jar with a single, fluid motion, being careful not to agitate her to the point of destroying the egg sac,” Teni notes in the instructional video, illustrating the delicate nature of the task.

Each egg sac is home to approximately 150 to 200 spiderlings, which represent a vital resource for producing antivenom. Once captured and safely contained, individuals are encouraged to return the spiders to one of many designated collection points in the area or directly to the Australian Reptile Park.

Survivors whose lives were preserved by the antivenom are also voicing their support for the public’s involvement in this important program.

“The ARP and your Antivenom program saved my life in 1994,” Nicole Webber shared in a heartfelt comment on the Australian Reptile Park’s Facebook post. “I can’t thank you enough. I urge everyone to contribute safely captured spiders and financial support to this vital program.”

Another grateful individual, Karen Wright, shared that her son’s life was also saved by the antivenom.

“I am eternally thankful that this life-saving program existed in 1995,” she recounted. “In the past, we would collect spiders from the public and send them for processing. It brings me immense joy to see this initiative continuing today, as it means more lives can be saved.”

How can community participation assist‍ in the collection⁢ of funnel-web spiders for antivenom production?

**Interview with Emma Teni, Spider Keeper at the Australian Reptile Park**

**Editor**: Thank⁤ you⁣ for​ joining us today, Emma. It’s that time of ​year again‌ when funnel-web spiders are active. Can you start by explaining why they​ are particularly concerning?

**Emma Teni**: Absolutely! Funnel-web spiders, especially the Sydney funnel-web, are‌ known⁢ for ‌their potent venom, which‍ makes them a significant concern for residents. Historically, before the antivenom was available in 1981, bites led to 13 fatalities.‌ Now, thanks to the antivenom, there hasn’t been a reported death since. ⁤However,⁣ they are still dangerous, and ⁣we ‍want the public to⁤ be cautious and proactive.

**Editor**:‌ You mentioned the ‌importance of ⁢community participation‍ in collecting funnel-web spiders. Why is this​ so crucial?

**Emma Teni**: Each November⁤ marks the spiders’ breeding season, which ⁢is ⁢when we ‌see an increase in these creatures’ ⁤activity.‌ Our park is‌ the only ‍source of funnel-web spider antivenom, and the production ‌process requires us ‌to collect⁢ and milk these spiders. We need about 150 spiders ‌to produce just one vial‌ of antivenom, so community help‍ is essential‌ in ensuring we have ⁢enough venom for ‍those who need it.

**Editor**:⁤ For people who ‍encounter these spiders, what ‍tips do you have for safely capturing them?

**Emma Teni**: It’s‌ natural to feel panic, but we urge residents‍ to remain​ calm. We recommend using a long spoon to gently guide the spider into a ‌secure jar, all in‍ one fluid motion to avoid ‍disturbing ‍the spider ⁣and damaging ⁤her egg sac. Each egg sac contains around 150 to 200 spiderlings, so it’s vital⁤ to‍ handle them with care.

**Editor**: What should people be cautious about when it comes to where these‍ spiders might be‌ found?

**Emma ⁤Teni**: Funnel-web spiders can⁢ hide in unexpected​ places, like piles of laundry, shoes‌ left outside, swimming pools,‌ and garden debris. It’s essential to check these⁢ areas, especially during‌ their active season.

**Editor**: ‌Lastly, what can ​residents do after capturing these spiders?

**Emma Teni**: Once safely contained, individuals can return‌ the spiders ‍to one of our designated collection points or ⁢directly to the ​Australian Reptile Park.⁣ It’s a ‌simple act that can help with our antivenom supply and ultimately save lives.

**Editor**: Thank you,‍ Emma, for sharing such important information. We appreciate your efforts ‌in keeping both the spiders and ⁢the community safe.

**Emma ⁣Teni**: Thank ⁤you for having ‍me! We hope everyone can help us this season.