Where’s Rosie the Tarantula?

For more than 30 years, Rosie the Chilean rose hair tarantula helped millions of guests overcome fears and discover the fascinating world of invertebrates. As Rosie and other ambassador tarantulas have aged, Butterfly Pavilion’s animal care team made the thoughtful decision to conclude daily public handling experiences to prioritize the animals’ long-term health, comfort, and wellbeing. Guided by evolving animal welfare science and the highest standards of accredited zoo and aquarium care, Rosie has transitioned into a dedicated exhibit inside Butterfly Pavilion where guests can continue visiting and celebrating her legacy.

While daily handling has ended, Rosie continues to inspire a new generation of invertebrate enthusiasts, and her legacy lives on through Behind the Web: Tarantula Encounter. This exclusive, small-group experience offers guests a deeper, more meaningful connection with tarantulas through a 30-minute educator-led program featuring tarantula species, fascinating biofacts, conservation stories, and an up-close introduction to Goldie, our Chaco golden knee tarantula. Designed with animal welfare at its core, the experience is paced around Goldie’s comfort and choice, creating a more personal and enriching encounter than the former walk-up high volume handling program.

Whether you’re reconnecting with Rosie in her new exhibit or taking a deeper dive into the world of tarantulas through Behind the Web, Butterfly Pavilion remains committed to inspiring curiosity, conservation, and compassion for the remarkable creatures that share our planet.