Halloween Hijinks: Two-storey spider spotted in Sydney Harbour after escaping Sydney Zoo

On the spookiest day of the year, 31 October, a two-storey redback spider was spotted in Sydney Harbour, attempting to board Carnival Splendor on her way into Circular Quay. The spider had been missing in action since Monday, after news broke that she had escaped from the new Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek.

The spider, Carnival Cruise Line’s resident creepy crawly known as Fangelica, was making a special appearance at Sydney Zoo’s Halloween Spooktacular event over the weekend before disappearing early Monday morning.

The fanged fugitive was located with the assistance of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who during a patrol of the harbour spotted Fangelica attempting to board Carnival Splendor during the ship’s arrival into Sydney. However, the people of Sydney can rest easy as Fangelica was successfully captured and escorted to the Overseas Passenger Terminal, where she will be safely on display today (9am-3pm) for those brave enough to get close and snap a photo with the eight-legged escapee.

A haunting sight all on her own, Fangelica is 5 metres high and nearly 10 metres wide, with glowing eyes and massive fangs. This timely and unique photo opportunity is sure to provide Sydneysiders with the ultimate Halloween snapshot.

“At Carnival, we love to get into the spirit of spooky season,” said Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line VP. “Fangelica’s escape was a bit of a trick, but we hope her appearance will be a treat for families coming through the terminal today. Happy Halloween, Australia, from all of us at Carnival Cruise Line.”

Throughout the month of October, Halloween lovers at sea have enjoyed Carnival’s special Frightfully FUN Halloween sailings. In addition to traditional activities like costume contests and themed dance parties, guests were able to meet Patch the Pumpkin Pirate®, watch spooky dive-in movies on the big screen, compete in pumpkin-carving contests, and more.

Carnival Splendor is homeported in Sydney year-round, sailing to iconic domestic and international ports of call including the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, New Zealand and South Pacific island destinations such as New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

For more information on Carnival Cruise Line and bookings call 13 31 94, see your travel agent or visit https://www.carnival.com.au/.

Please find imagery HERE and b-roll footage HERE.