A pregnant reticulated python (Python reticulatus) that had trouble laying her eggs naturally got an assist from a team of veterinarians in Brazil. Zo
A pregnant reticulated python (Python reticulatus) that had trouble laying her eggs naturally got an assist from a team of veterinarians in Brazil. Zoo keepers at Brazil’s Zoo Sorocaba first noticed the 16-foot snake losing weight and conducted tests that determined the snake had eggs stuck in her uterus.
After the snake was given anaesthetic to put it to sleep, and to safely handle the snake, a team of five veterinarians cut a five foot incision and removed a calcified egg and 12 underdeveloped eggs.
The surgery was deemed a success and the 20-year-old snake is currently being monitored. Reticulated pythons are among the largest snakes in the world and can grow to more than 20 feet in length. They are native to Southeast Asia and can live 15 to 20 years in captivity.
John B. Virata keeps a western hognose snake, a ball python, two corn snakes, a kingsnake, and two leopard geckos. His first snake, a California kingsnake, was purchased at the Pet Place in Westminster, CA for $5. His first pet reptile was a green anole that arrived in a small box via mail order. Follow him on Twitter @johnvirata
