Something small but seriously exciting has landed here at Banham Zoo; our brand new Minibeasts Room is officially open! From creatures that hiss and climb to ones that grow bigger than you’d ever expect, this brand-new indoor space celebrates the tiny animals that quietly keep our planet ticking. Trust us, if you’ve ever said, “I don’t really like bugs”, this room is about to surprise you!

We’re delighted to introduce some real minibeast celebrities. The Antilles pink toe tarantula, also known as Tilly, is an expert climber, using tiny, hooked hairs on her feet to scale surfaces with ease (and flashing those famous pink toes while she does!) Meanwhile, the giant African land snail steals the spotlight as one of the largest snail species in the world, capable of growing a shell longer than a human hand and carrying it around wherever it goes.

The Minibeasts Room is packed with even more fascinating residents. The Madagascar hissing cockroach communicates by forcing air through breathing holes in its body (no mouths involved!), while the black beauty stick insect and New Guinea spiny stick insect rely on camouflage so convincing they can disappear in plain sight. Add in lightning-fast African cave crickets, predatory two-spot assassin bugs, and the striking Tanzanian red-legged millipede — which can have over 250 legs — and you’ve got a room full of creatures with truly mind-blowing adaptations.

Beyond the wow factor, this space sheds light on why insects and invertebrates matter so much. Around 80% of flowering plants rely on insects for pollination, and countless species help break down waste, recycle nutrients and support entire ecosystems. Our Minibeasts Room is designed to spark curiosity, challenge common misconceptions, and help you understand that these often-overlooked animals are everyday eco-heroes.

Whether you’re visiting with family, bringing a school group, or simply curious to learn something new, the Minibeasts Room offers hands-on discovery and activities at every turn. So next time you’re planning a day out in Norfolk, make sure you stop by and say hello to our smallest residents. From giant snails to sneaky stick insects, this brand-new attraction promises big facts, big fun and a whole new appreciation for the tiny creatures that keep our world buzzing.