The+Everton+Spider

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As football fans in Liverpool gear up for the most anticipated fixture of the season this Sunday, there is an exciting new Everton fan on Merseyside, who is expected to cause quite a stir in the city.=====

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An incredible blue and white striped tarantula will go on display at the BugWorld Experience at Liverpool’s Albert Dock this Friday, with astonished visitors sure to marvel at the unusual colours and markings of the spider, which have inspired its nickname – the Everton Spider.=====

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The honorary Toffee, which originates from India, is called the Gooty Saphire Ornamental Tree Spider and is set to be one of the most exciting exhibits at the BugWorld Experience as people will not believe what they are seeing. The BugWorld Experience is the only place in the UK that people can see the unique tarantula up close and it will be showcased in a brand new display taking pride of place in the rainforest section of the attraction.=====

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The stunning blue spider is considered Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as it is very close to becoming extinct in the wild. As a result, the interactive insectarium is also recruiting two babies to its youth squad and is planning to breed the tarantula so it can have its very own Everton Spider football team.=====

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Jenny Dobson, General Manager at the BugWorld Experience said: “We are so excited to be receiving one of these stunning spiders, it truly does need to be seen to be believed. Its distinctive blue and white skin makes it unlike any other spider here at the BugWorld Experience and indeed anywhere in the world.=====

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“The arrival of the Everton Spider is a great addition for our interactive insectarium, not only because of its fantastic Evertonian colours, but it also highlights the BugWorld Experience’s continuing efforts for preserving endangered species. Although it’s not a danger to humans, its bite is harsher than others within the tarantula family and therefore, like all spiders, should not be handled.=====