Eastern indigo snake release day

In May, I had the incredible privilege of tagging along to help release eastern indigo snakes into their native longleaf pine habitat in Alabama, traveling with our Curator of Herpetology, Robert Hill.

This exciting day is just one small part of a long-term reintroduction effort to restore a species that disappeared from the region decades ago. Each year, the snakes are bred at the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation at the Central Florida Zoo, and some are raised at Zoo Atlanta as part of a headstart program, so they can grow and have a better chance of survival in the wild when released. It takes a lot of dedicated work from the other project partners to make the program successful: the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alabama Department of Conservation, the Orianne Society, Central Florida Zoo, Auburn University, and Eastern Indigo SAFE.

On release day, we carefully documented all 21 snakes, checking PIT tags (microchips), measuring, and recording data. Indigo snakes don’t dig their own burrows and rely on gopher tortoise burrows for shelter and a place to lay their eggs, so each snake released was placed at a cozy burrow that was move-in ready, to start their new lives.

Being there for that moment was unforgettable! I admit I got a little teary-eyed as I set #093 on the ground and saw him slowly disappear into the burrow, feeling in awe, and grateful to play even a small role in bringing this species home.

Melissa King, Director of Interpretive Planning and Engagement