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Pythons hatch at Jhb Zoo
06/02/2001 15:50 - (SA)
Jo-Ann Floris, Beeld
Johannesburg - The snake enclosure at the Johannesburg Zoo has been attracting a lot of attention ever since the first of a batch of African rock python eggs hatched on Tuesday.
The zoo? primate, small mammal and reptile curator, Phillip Cronje, explained that because pythons are an endangered species in South Africa, their valuable eggs are usually placed in incubators as soon as possible to prevent their being damaged.
However, in this case, the zoo decided to allow the mother to hatch the eggs, Cronje said. The mother is between eight and ten years old and was donated to the zoo.
And up to now everything has gone smoothly as evidenced by the hatching of seven snakes. No one knows how many eggs are still hidden under the 2.5m long snake.
The baby snakes?future is uncertain as Cronje said that those not raised by the zoo would either be exchanged or sold to other zoos.
Meanwhile they are leading a protected life, as secure as only babies with an imposing python mother can be.
Tanzanian bushbaby
And on the other side of the zoo a Tanzanian bushbaby is lovingly nursing the latest addition to her family, rolling her soulful eyes at anyone who intrudes on her territory.
Cronje knows she originated from Tanzania since her toenails are convex unlike the species of other countries, which have concave toenails.
The bush babies live on a diet of mixed fruit, dog biscuits, minced meat and boiled eggs and are easy to please and care for.
But while the cute and cuddly grey animals may look like adorable pets, they cannot be kept as pets without the necessary permits.
- Beeld
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