Goldie was about 24 feet in length and weighed 400lbs, one of the largest captive reticulated pythons.
Goldie, a massive reticulated python (Python reticulatus) who was rock star at Skunk Ape Headquarters in Ochopee, FL. passed away last month of old age. She was brought into Skunk Ape Headquarters in the early 2000s after spending some time at a zoo, and prior to that, in the care of a private individual. Goldie was estimated to be from 10 to 15 years old when Skunk Ape Headquarters brought her in.
“She came to us in the early 2000s after being rehomed from a zoo and spending a few years as a household pet. At that time, she was estimated to be between 10 and 15 years old. With an impressive lifespan of over 30 years, she was truly a legend among reticulated pythons, Skunk Ape Headquarters posted on its Facebook page.
“Working with reptiles has always been a challenge and a privilege, and Goldie was a huge part of that journey,” Jack Shealy said. “I started working with her in my 20s under the guidance of our reptile expert, Richard Scholle, and over the years, she became a fixture here at the Headquarters.”
Goldie was about 24 feet in length and weighed 400lbs, one of the largest captive reticulated pythons. She will be missed.
Reticulated Python Information
The reticulated python is considered the world’s longest snake and one of the three heaviest snakes. It is found throughout much of Southeast and South Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Borneo. The snake is popular with expert reptile keepers, though prior to captive breeding efforts over the last 30 plus years in the United States, the species was considered hard to handle due to its aggressive temperament.
