Butterfly Pavilion Retires Rosie, Colorado’s Most Famous Tarantula

What I am about to tell you is almost like a rite of passage here in Colorado. As someone who grew up in the state and has spent most of my life here, I will admit, I did not do this one thing until last year.

READ MORE: Yes, Tarantulas Live in Colorado

While millions of people have done this over the past few decades, no one else will be able to hold Rosie the tarantula any longer. According to KDVR, the Butterfly Pavilion has stopped the famous exhibit for the health and comfort of the large spider.

Rosie the Tarantula’s Legacy at the Butterfly Pavilion

Since 1995, Rosie, the Chilean rose hair tarantula, has been an exciting and sometimes terrifying experience as visitors have gotten the opportunity to hold a spider in their hands.

What’s Next for Rosie the Tarantula?

Rosie isn't the only tarantula retiring from the spotlight at the Butterfly Pavilion either. Goldie the tarantula will no longer be held by visitors at the exhibit in Westminster, Colorado, either.

The expert animal care team at the Butterfly Pavilion observed the pair of spiders showing signs of stress when being held by visitors and has decided to end the handling by the public and prioritize the health of both Rosie and Goldie.

READ MORE: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Colorado’s Butterfly Pavilion

While Rosie may not be able to be held anymore by visitors, she will still be seen on display in the exhibit. On September 8, Rosie will then move into her dedicated exhibit and live there full-time.

A New Exhibit Coming in 2026 to the Butterfly Pavilion

The Butterfly Pavilion says that a new exhibit will take the place where Rosie used to be held by guests in 2026. See the full press release at butterflies.org.