The Chennai Snake Park has announced the arrival of three baby yellow anacondas, marking a significant addition to its diverse collection of reptiles. This introduction fulfills a long-standing desire to showcase these fascinating South American snakes. Executive Chairman of the park, S Paulraj, explained that securing anacondas had been a priority for several years, as they are not native to India and require careful sourcing and approval.
Initial attempts to acquire the anacondas from the Crocodile Bank, which has a successful breeding program, were denied by the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI). However, a subsequent request for an exchange with the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, another breeding facility, was promptly approved by the CZAI. The Chennai Snake Park traded eight green iguanas, each around one and a half years old, for the baby anacondas of a similar age.
This exchange marks the first time the Chennai Snake Park will exhibit yellow anacondas. The park director, Rajarathinam, highlighted that the new arrivals have been placed in a specially designed enclosure and are currently being fed a diet of mice and rats.
While anacondas hold an undeniable allure, pet shop owners have noted that they are not commonly sought after by pet enthusiasts. This is primarily due to their substantial size, requiring extensive enclosures. Additionally, their inherent nature poses a risk to humans, making home ownership impractical and potentially dangerous. Consequently, they are less prevalent in the pet trade compared to other reptiles.
Zoo authorities have successfully bred yellow anacondas on three occasions within the past two years, demonstrating their expertise in managing and breeding these remarkable creatures. The arrival of these baby anacondas promises to be a captivating attraction for visitors to the Chennai Snake Park, offering a glimpse into the world of these fascinating and powerful reptiles.
