Time is running out to hold Rosie the tarantula at the Butterfly Pavilion.

The Westminster invertebrate zoo this week announced it is ending public handling of its well-known Chilean rose hair tarantulas on Sept. 8.

"The science around ambassador animal care has evolved, and Butterfly Pavilion is evolving with it," Sara Stevens, director of animal collections, said in a Facebook post. "As our tarantulas age, current science tells us that reducing handling is key to their wellbeing. This transition reflects the highest standards in ambassador animal care."

The Butterfly Pavilion said its tarantulas, Rosie and Goldie, will still be on display, but in a newly designed exhibit.

Over the past 30 years, millions of guests have been able to hold tarantulas at the Butterfly Pavilion, the zoo s

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