Scary But Shy Katipo Spider Plush Toy

This plush cuddly toy represents New Zealand's scary but shy endangered native spider, the Katipo (pronounced "Cut-e-poor").  The Katipo is renowned for its venomous bite, and is the only venomous native creature we have.  Yet it is rarely seen.  The Katipo is most often found on the landward side of coastal sand dunes.  It is shy and non-aggressive.  And due to habitat loss and the colonisation of species from other countries, it is now threatened with extinction.  

I'm on a mission to take the fear out of kids' minds for New Zealand's creepy crawlies and other creatures - one plush toy at a time.  Conservation of these spiders is hugely important, as it faces extinction, so we need to educate our children to be mindful if they see a katipo spider, and leave its habitat alone.  What better way than to start with a cuddly toy, and a bit of education along the way.

This plush katipo spider measures approximately 19cm (7 1/2") long, with legs up to 15.5cm (6") long.

Shall we call her "Katie the Katipo"?

Shipped worldwide from New Zealand.