Turtle Back Zoo’s Python Takes Center Stage For World Snake Day 2016: Essex County, NJ

Essex County, NJ – Her name is Angie, and she’s 132 pounds and more than 17-feet-long.

The reticulated python came to Turtle Back Zoo in 2005 when the Education and Reptile Building opened, county officials stated. When it first arrived it was 14 feet long and 90 pounds.

“Having students from our summer camp and allowing the public to view the weigh-in and measuring is a rare opportunity to get an up close look at these strong reptiles that usually are only seen behind glass,” DiVincenzo said.

“We are always looking for new ways to expand the zoo experience to educate the public about nature and conservation, and to raise awareness about the important role animals have in the world,” Turtle Back Zoo Director Brint Spencer said. “Witnessing the power and grace that the reticulated python possesses will give people a better understanding and appreciation for the animals,” he added.

According to a county news release, pythons are indigenous to tropical regions near the equator in Asia, Africa and Australia. They were introduced to the United States, South America and Europe as pets. Reticulated pythons are among the longest in the world, with the record being 33 feet.

“Generally, pythons have a forked tongue that helps them detect their prey,” county officials said. “They kill through constriction, which means they literally squeeze the life out of their prey causing asphyxiation, or suffocation. Pythons swallow the entire body of their prey, so the larger the prey the longer it takes to digest. This means the reptile may only eat four to five times a year. In the wild, pythons feed on lizards, caiman (small alligator-like animals), monkeys, antelope and farm animals.”

Learn more snake facts courtesy of the Turtle Back Zoo here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., via Facebook

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