This pet has a history.
A 13-foot-long Burmese python has been transferred to a New York zoo after its owners admitted it had grown too big to keep in captivity.
The 3-and-a-half-year-old snake, named Mango, was surrendered to authorities and is now in the care of Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, New York, the zoo said in a statement on August 30. Social Media Posts.
“The owners were a little surprised at how quickly he was growing,” the zoo said in a statement. “We were surprised too, but we are up for the challenge of keeping this amazing creature!”
The female snake, a rare albino Burmese python, was removed after New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials responded to a complaint about a large snake believed to be being kept illegally as a pet, the zoo said in a statement. Tuesday's official statement.
Conservation officer Jeff Hull looked at the photos and identified the snake as a Burmese python based on the arrowhead design on its head.
Once inside Hull's pet home, officers found a 13.2-foot snake trapped in an enclosure less than 5 feet high. The snake, which was still growing, weighed a whopping 80 pounds, according to officers.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Mango's owner admitted that he “didn't expect the animal to grow so quickly” and realized he could no longer care for him.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said Mango was confiscated and donated to a zoo that has the necessary permits to keep the snake.
Her owner lives in New Hartford, Oneida County. According to WNYTAccording to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the man was charged with illegally keeping pets and keeping a dangerous animal without a permit.
Meanwhile, the zoo said it was moving forward with plans to expand the habitat “to meet growing needs.”
“I couldn't be happier with where he ended up,” the owner, who identified himself as Mike Stone, said in a Facebook comment on the zoo's post.
“Thank you so much for adopting my dog and giving him a wonderful home where he can live a long life!” he captioned the post.
He added that he and his children will miss Mango because he is docile and loves affection and attention, and that he and his family plan to “visit Mango regularly from now on.”
Rebecca Steadman, co-owner of Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo with her husband Chris, told The Washington Post that the zoo is thrilled to have Mango join the zoo family.
“We're really excited because she's very docile, really easy to handle,” Steadman said. “She'll be a great animal for educational purposes, we can take her out and let the kids meet her up close and personal.”
Stedman added that it's very important for a snake her size to be able to “stay stretched out to breathe properly, otherwise she's prone to respiratory infections.”
The snake, which could reach a maximum length of 17 feet, was clearly well-nourished and “heavier than average for a python of its age,” Steadman said.
She added that as long as the snake isn't startled, it's generally safe to deal with.
Steadman added that the zoo also has a ball python and two boa constrictors.
