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UK Zoo Celebrates Release Of Thousands Of ‘Giant Spiders’

Chester Zoo in England has celebrated 10 years since they released thousands of giant fen raft spiders into the United Kingdom after the species nearly went extinct.

"Ten years ago, we helped release THOUSANDS of GIANT spiders back into the U.K.," the zoo captioned its Facebook post.

"The fen raft spiders were bred right here at the zoo, and we're super happy to report there are now more than 10,000 breeding females... and they've just had the biggest mating season on record!"

“You can’t miss them. They grow to be the size of your hand!” they added.

“Honestly, you’re so welcome,” the post concluded.

The fen raft spider nearly went extinct after its wetland home was nearly destroyed, according to a press release from the zoo.

The team “delicately hand fed tiny flies to each of the hundreds of spiderlings using tweezers, day in, day out, for weeks on end in our bio-secure breeding facility” in a partnership with the RSPB.

“These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves. The females are impressive in size, but also beautiful – they are truly special to see!” RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves site manager Tim Strudwick said.