Kent's Fastest Growing Zoo
Gooty Ornamental Tarantula Natural History Size These tarantulas have a 15-20 cm leg span when fully grown. Habitat and Distribution They live in the forests of Gooty, India, hence the name. Living in holes of tall trees where they create funnel webs. Age Females can live up to 10-12 years whereas males only live for…
White-clawed Crayfish Natural History Size These crayfish grow to between 6-12 cm and weigh up to 90g. Habitat and Distribution This is a freshwater species found in the UK and throughout Europe in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Age They can live between 8-12 years. Diet This…
Sun Beetle Natural History Size This medium sized beetle measures 20-30mm as an adult. The larvae are very small when they first hatch but can grow to 60mm. Habitat and Distribution They live in tropical areas of west and central Africa. Age From egg to beetle takes 3 to 5 months and then adults live…
Pancake Slug Natural History Size This slug grows to a length of 12cm. Habitat and Distribution The Pancake Slug is native to Jamaica. However, it has also been introduced to other countries where they are considered a pest. These countries include Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Cuba. Age The average lifespan…
Medicinal Leech Natural History Size They can grow up to 20cm. Habitat and Distribution These leeches can be found in muddy ponds and ditches throughout Europe. They have been recorded in 24 countries including 20 populations here in the UK. Age This species can live for up to 10 years. Diet They feed on the…
Madagascan Hissing Cockroach Natural History Size This species grows to between 5-9 cm (2- 3.5 inches). Habitat and Distribution As their name suggests these cockroaches inhabit the forests of Madagascar and live in hollow logs. Age They have a lifespan of 18 months. Diet These herbivores scavenge on the forest floor for food such as…
Giant African Land Snail Natural History Size Their shell can reach 20cm in length. Habitat and Distribution They can be fond in wet sand and the humid tropics of Sub-Saharan Africa. Age These snails can live for 5-6 years in captivity. Diet These herbivores eat more than 500 different plant species including fruits, vegetables and…
Florida Whip Spider Natural History Size The body of the Florida Whip Spider can measure 18mm but its front legs can reach 100 mm. Habitat and Distribution This species is found in southern Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. Age They can live for up to five years. Diet This is an ambush predator which…
Chilean Rose Tarantula Natural History Size This species is considered a medium sized tarantula. Females have an average leg span of 12-13 cm (5 inches) while males are slightly smaller with a 9 cm (3.5 inch) leg span. Habitat and Distribution These spiders are native to desert scrub habitats in South America. Not only are…
This week’s blog is in celebration of lizards. Those 4 (but sometimes no) legged reptiles come in all different shapes and sizes. From the smallest, the Jaragua Lizard measuring in length 16mm, to the largest lizard in the world, the Komodo Dragon, growing to lengths of up to 3m. That’s 1,875 times bigger. Lizards can…
