5-yr-old python dies at Delhi Zoo

A five-year-old Indian rock python died at Delhi zoo after two days of treatment; cause unknown, but mismanagement may be a factor.

A five-year-old Indian rock python died at the Delhi zoo on Monday, officials informed on Tuesday. The reptile was undergoing treatment for two days but the cause of death is currently not known.

The zoo houses 96 different species of animals, birds, and reptiles and is spread across an area of 176 acres. (Arvind Yadav/HT file photo)

The zoo is now left with seven pythons.

“The python was around five years old. It had been ill and was under treatment for two days. The cause will only be known once the post mortem and test reports are received,” zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said.

Officials aware of the matter, however, said the death could also be due to mismanagement and not providing adequate winter care. Typically, rock pythons can live over 20 years in captivity. During the winter months, snakes enter brumation – a period during which they become dormant in sheltered locations like burrows or rock crevices to save energy.

“It is not very cold yet, but the snake fell ill, possibly due to inadequate winter arrangements. Reptiles need adequate warmth during winter months, including enough padding inside the enclosure,” said an official.

Established in 1959, the zoo houses 96 different species of animals, birds, and reptiles and is spread across an area of 176 acres.