Behind the Web Tarantula Encounter

Eight legs. Zero judgment. One unforgettable encounter.

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Meet Goldie

Goldie the Golden Knee Tarantula is one of Butterfly Pavilion’s newest animal ambassadors — and your guide to a private, 30-minute experience that turns everything you thought you knew about tarantulas upside down.
$45 per person — General Admission included.

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The Experience

Guided by one of our expert invertebrate educators, you’ll explore the biology, behaviors, and surprising complexity behind one of nature’s most captivating creatures. This is the rare chance to see Goldie up close — on her terms, in her world.

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  • Behind The Web Tarantula Experience is offered Thursday – Sunday at 9:15am and lasts 30 minutes. Schedule is subject to change. 
  • The experience is held in a private encounter room and can accommodate up to five (5) people.
  • Tickets are sold individually, and you may be with others outside of your group.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Please arrive at least 10min prior to your scheduled encounter time to allow for check in. The experience begins promptly at the scheduled start time, and late arrivals will result in reduced experience time.

Please check in at the Front Desk and have your ticket confirmation available.

Yes. All participants must be present at check-in before the experience begins.

Yes! General Admission is included with your purchase, and guests are welcome to enjoy the exhibits before or after their scheduled experience.

All participants must be ages 3 or older. Children (3-18) must be accompanied by an adult.

No. Participation is always optional, and guests are welcome to observe at their comfort level.

At Butterfly Pavilion, animal welfare is our highest priority. While it is likely you will be able to hold Goldie, she is always given choice and control throughout the encounter and may choose not to participate in handling or walking between guests.

The experience will continue as scheduled with opportunities to observe Goldie and learn about tarantula biology, behavior, and conservation.

Yes. Photography and video recording are welcome. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted.

No. Food and beverages are not permitted during the experience.

Guests are expected to follow staff instructions at all times. Inappropriate behavior, including intentionally using Butterfly Pavilion animals or specimens to frighten, startle, or intimidate others, will result in the immediate termination of the experience without refund. All guests are also required to follow our Guest Code of Conduct.

The experience will still end at its scheduled time, and late arrival will reduce the time available for your encounter. Guests arriving more than 5 minutes after the scheduled start time may be unable to join the experience.

Encounters may be rescheduled for up to 72 hours before the scheduled program date. Rescheduling is not available within 72 hours of the encounter.

Please contact our Guest Services team at (303)469-5441 or visitorservices@butterflies.org.