Animals in Random Objects/Really tiny vivaria

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This is an example of a tarantula in a "banana crate" that you should not sit on. ;)
This was taken by @fkalltheway at the Buffalo Zoo.
 
red river hog said:
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This is an example of a tarantula in a "banana crate" that you should not sit on. ;)
This was taken by @fkalltheway at the Buffalo Zoo.
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I don't know if I would say that this spider doesn't have enough space. In fact I sort of like the exhibit if I'm honest .

Having kept several tarantulas as pets at various times of my life (Chilean rose and Costa Rican zebra tarantulas) they are not really very active species and can be kept quite well within fairly small environments (obviously within reason) without any issue with their wellbeing.
 
Onychorhynchus coronatus said:
I don't know if I would say that this spider doesn't have enough space. In fact I sort of like the exhibit if I'm honest .

Having kept several tarantulas as pets at various times of my life (Chilean rose and Costa Rican zebra tarantulas) they are not really very active species and can be kept quite well within fairly small environments (obviously within reason) without any issue with their wellbeing.
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Ah, "The trash can". So this exhibit is actually pretty good in concept, but in execution it really doesn't please me. Makes more sense to put this crate in a separate exhibit for the tarantula, or make a connection of these kinds of crates into a larger habitat. Its pretty dim, dark, and looks sort of depressing. I haven't been there, but judging by the size of the photograph it doesn't look that amazing. But You have had Tarantulas kept as pets, so probably have the best say on this exhibit. :)
 
Onychorhynchus coronatus said:
I don't know if I would say that this spider doesn't have enough space. In fact I sort of like the exhibit if I'm honest .

Having kept several tarantulas as pets at various times of my life (Chilean rose and Costa Rican zebra tarantulas) they are not really very active species and can be kept quite well within fairly small environments (obviously within reason) without any issue with their wellbeing.
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I do think the small size does create several drawbacks, especially in a public institution. This exhibit doesn't really have much space to retreat from the public and also not a real bright spot. In general it doesn't really give much choice to the spider, something that I do find very important especially for animals that are so much in homeostasis with their environment. Larger terraria allow you to create a mixture of lighter and darker spots, several hiding dens to choose from and even some tiny temperature differences. Something that a small exhibit like this one can't provide.
 
Jarne said:
I do think the small size does create several drawbacks, especially in a public institution. This exhibit doesn't really have much space to retreat from the public and also not a real bright spot. In general it doesn't really give much choice to the spider, something that I do find very important especially for animals that are so much in homeostasis with their environment. Larger terraria allow you to create a mixture of lighter and darker spots, several hiding dens to choose from and even some tiny temperature differences. Something that a small exhibit like this one can't provide.
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Yes, I agree in terms of lighting but I meant more in terms of space, it does seem adequate to me in that regard.
 
Jarne said:
I do think the small size does create several drawbacks, especially in a public institution. This exhibit doesn't really have much space to retreat from the public and also not a real bright spot. In general it doesn't really give much choice to the spider, something that I do find very important especially for animals that are so much in homeostasis with their environment. Larger terraria allow you to create a mixture of lighter and darker spots, several hiding dens to choose from and even some tiny temperature differences. Something that a small exhibit like this one can't provide.
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I completely agree with this statement. Animals like spiders should have enough freedom to at least hide away from the public if they please, and this tiny exhibit isn't realistically replicating homeostasis like Jarne said. What I like to say is, If you were that animal, would you like it? Those sort of questions can be asked for all animal exhibits.
 
Jarne said:
The problem is that space and diversity go hand in hand, I'd say about 50% bigger and they could've made this a nice and diverse exhibit with a few burrows, some branches providing shade and lighter zones.
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Perhaps some more colorful green vegetation as well.
 
red river hog said:
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A tarantula in a log. It extends a bit in both directions, but is still quite small and dark.
This photo was taken by @TinoPup at the National Aquarium.
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Not sure whether I understand this exhibit, is the long the enclosure of the tarantula with a glass front to it or is what is in the entire picture frame the enclosure ?

If it is the latter then it seems pretty good to me. However, if it is the former then it doesn't seem like the cruellest exhibit I've ever seen but it doesn't seem perfect either.
 
Onychorhynchus coronatus said:
Not sure whether I understand this exhibit, is the long the enclosure of the tarantula with a glass front to it or is what is in the entire picture frame the enclosure ?

If it is the latter then it seems pretty good to me if it is the former then it doesn't seem like the cruellest exhibit I've ever seen but it doesn't seem perfect either.
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The entire exhibit is encased in a glass covered log. EDIT: Cross post.
 
Jarne said:
The problem is that space and diversity go hand in hand, I'd say about 50% bigger and they could've made this a nice and diverse exhibit with a few burrows, some branches providing shade and lighter zones.
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The problem with that is that tarantulas will hide away given the choice and rarely appear active or visible for visitors.

Of course, the husbandry of the animal should be the priority but I think a lot of zoos want inverts like tarantulas to be on public view.

All things considered though I still don't think tarantulas or arachnids in general are the most demanding in terms of care compared with other taxa like amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds although I'm not trying to justify shoddy keeping.
 
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