Drusillas in Alfriston explains why these Halloween animals are more ‘cool’ than ‘ghoul’

The Sussex zoo is trying to dispel negative myths surrounding creatures like snakes, rats and spiders, which they say can leave many facing irrational fears.

Ahead of the Park’s Shriek Week event (October 22-30), zookeeper Helena Farley said she is keen to educate people about these much-maligned animals.

She said: “Drusillas is home to several Halloween-associated animals, many of which have friendly encounters with school children every week as part our education sessions. Around this time of year, these animals get a really bad reputation, so we’ve put together a video for social media busting some of the myths and showing why they aren’t bad at all.”