Tarantula Handling Experience in Portland, Oregon
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Overview
Discover the fascinating world of tarantulas with a unique hands-on session in Portland, Oregon. Safely interact with Pris, a gentle Chilean rose hair tarantula, and learn about these intriguing creatures up close.
Tarantula Handling
Hold a tarantula! • 1 Hour • All ages
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About This Adventure
Discover the fascinating world of tarantulas in a unique one-hour handling session! Meet Pris, the gentle Chilean rose hair tarantula, as you learn about her biology and behavior. Experience the thrill of interacting with these remarkable creatures in a safe and educational environment, perfect for both enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Learn about tarantula biology, behavior, and natural history!
Duration
1 Hour
About
Our Chilean rose hair tarantula, Pris, is slow and gentle and has several years experience being handled, photographed, and petted. She has never bitten anyone or shown any defensive behaviors. Learn about tarantula biology, behavior, and natural history.
More info
Due to limited space, each person attending must purchase a ticket, even if they do not want to touch the tarantula. Please try to arrive on time, the session starts at 10 min after the hour to accommodate people running late. When the session starts, the door will be locked and no refunds will be given for late arrivals. These rules are for the safety and comfort of our tarantula.
Adventure Tips
Stay calm around the tarantula
Gentle movements and relaxed behavior help keep Pris calm during handling.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet in the Insectarium’s indoor setting for safety and comfort.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Arriving early ensures you won’t miss the introduction and safety briefing.
Avoid scents and lotions
Strong scents can stress the tarantula, so come scent-free to the session.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Keep an eye out for North American river otters in local waterways.
- Birds like the Steller’s jay and great horned owl inhabit nearby green spaces.
History
Portland Insectarium has been educating visitors about invertebrate species since its founding in 2008.
Conservation
The Insectarium promotes environmental awareness by highlighting the importance of arachnids in ecosystem balance and encourages sustainable interaction practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet during the indoor experience and walking around the facility.
Light jacket or sweater
Indoor temperatures can be cool, especially in autumn visits.
fall specific
Scent-free lotion or bare skin
Avoid scents that might stress the tarantula during handling.
Notebook or smartphone
For jotting down interesting facts or snapping photos (where allowed).