Ten young graduates just finished an intensive program to revolutionize fish farming in Nigeria, and the U.S. soybean industry is backing them in a big way. In a move to boost food security and create economic opportunities, a major American agriculture group is doubling down on its investment in Nigeria's youth. The American Soybean Association (ASA) celebrated the graduation of the first-ever class of its "Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Programme," where ten young Nigerians were trained for five months in modern fish farming with a special focus on using soybean-based feeds to grow healthier fish faster. But here's the big takeaway: This wasn't just a graduation ceremony. It was the launchpad for a much larger plan. The ASA officially signed a new three-year partnership with a Nigerian firm, SejFarms Consult Limited, to scale up the program and train many more young people. Why This Matters Nigeria has a huge demand for fish, but domestic production...
The RSPCA has stepped in after 22 tarantulas were found abandoned in a Salford apartment. Only four survived, revealing serious problems with how exotic pets are cared for and regulated.
The tarantulas were left in plastic containers without proper care. Most died from dehydration - a painful death for creatures that normally thrive in warm, humid environments.
"Tarantulas are tougher than they look," said RSPCA Officer David Cottingham. "But they still need specific care to survive. This neglect was completely avoidable."
The surviving spiders, possibly popular pet types like Mexican redknees, are now getting proper care. Their recovery shows how resilient these creatures can be when given the right conditions.
The Truth About Tarantulas
Despite their scary reputation:
- They're not dangerous to humans (their bite is like a bee sting)
- They're important for nature, keeping insect populations in check
- They can live for decades with proper care
- They require enough space to move and hide
This is not the first time tarantula has featured on the news, just three weeks after the Manchester case, German customs officers at Cologne Bonn Airport intercepted a shipment labeled "cake decorations." Inside:
- 1,500 live tarantulas crammed into tiny plastic containers
- No ventilation, no temperature control
- An estimated 30% mortality rate during transport
This wasn't some amateur operation," says customs spokesperson Jens Ahland. "This was a professional smuggling ring exploiting the exotic pet boom."
Why Tarantulas Are the New Frontier of Animal Welfare
1. "They're Just Spiders" Myth
Tarantulas are complex creatures with specific needs:
- Required humidity: 70-80% (like a rainforest)
- Temperature range: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Lifespan: Up to 25 years for females
2."Low Maintenance" Fallacy
While they don't need walks like dogs, proper care requires:
- Specialized enclosures with cross-ventilation
- Regular habitat maintenance
- Veterinary access (few vets treat invertebrates)
3. The Social Media Effect
Viral videos show "cute" handling (which stresses most species)
Online sellers often omit care requirements
Real Solutions for a Complex Problem
For Current Owners
If you're struggling with tarantula care:
- Don't release them (non-native species can damage ecosystems)
- Contact specialists like the British Tarantula Society
- Surrender responsibly through RSPCA's exotics program
For Prospective Buyers
Before purchasing:
- Research the species' full lifespan (many live decades)
- Set up the habitat first – test humidity/temp for a week
- Locate an exotic vet before you need one
Bigger Problems in the Pet Trade
This case shows wider issues:
- There are no special rules for owning tarantulas in the UK
- Many are caught from the wild and sold illegally
- Buyers often don't understand how long these pets live
How We Can Do Better
Experts recommend:
- Education before buying exotic pets
- Community watch systems to report neglect
- Adopting captive-bred animals instead of wild ones
How to Help
If you see neglected animals:
📞 Call any organizstion that promotes animal welfare near you.
These four surviving tarantulas got a second chance. Their story reminds us that all pets - even unusual ones - deserve proper care and respect.
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