Nearly a year ago, a team of Academy scientists, exhibit experts, and biologists selected a variety of venomous animals to be displayed in the exhibit taking into consideration the availability of antivenom for each animal for the safety of staff. During the past year, Steinhart Aquarium biologists and Academy researchers have collected the animals and specimens from all over the world. Visitor activated videos throughout the exhibit show animals in action, adding tension and intrigue to the dramatic environment. In the Venoms Theater, public programs and presentations will be offered during most holidays and weekends. Cobra Hunt, a National Geographic film featuring Academy Herpetologist Joe Slowinski's search for spitting cobras in Burma, will be shown at all other times.
Venomous animals use a variety of warning strategies to discourage potential predators.
In the animal world, the color red signals danger as demonstrated by velvet ants and black widow spiders which display red patches on their abdomens or the coral snake that is wrapped in red and yellow stripes. Behaviors, such as a rattling rattlesnake or a hooding cobra also offer warnings. The octopus bites prey with its jaws, then injects a potent venomous saliva into the bite wound. This venom is fatal to humans, sometimes within minutes. The Death Stalker Scorpion may be small, but it is the most toxic scorpion on earth.