On The Lookout For A Timor Python

Teams at Zoo Atlanta are on the lookout for a Timor python which escaped an outdoor enclosure in the Zoo’s behind-the-scenes Conservation Breeding Center on July 9, 2016. The animal was not housed in a public area of the Zoo. The Zoo teams continue to search the Grant Park area for the snake to safely return it to its home and to its regular care regimen.

This animal is not venomous and does not represent a danger to humans or pets. The snake is between five and six feet long, one to two inches in diameter, and weighs approximately 3 kilograms. It has a yellow and dark-brown patterned skin.

The Timor python is a non-venomous, semi-arboreal snake species native to Southeast Asia. The species is shy, non-aggressive and prefers to avoid humans. Timor pythons typically feed on birds and small mammals and do not pose a hazard to humans or domestic pets. This animal is unlikely to eat anything heavier than 2 pounds in weight.

While unlikely, sightings of this animal should be reported to Zoo Atlanta at 404.624.5670. As is the case with any Georgia native snake, individuals should not attempt to approach or capture the snake, as it should be considered a wild animal.

Additional updates will be provided as they are available.

CONTACT:

Rachel Davis, Director of Communications

404.624.2812 – office

404.309.2238 – cell

rdavis@zooatlanta.org

About Zoo Atlanta

Viewed as one of the finest zoological institutions in the U.S. and a proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta has a mission to inspire value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family experiences. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,000 animals from around the world. The Zoo’s newest destination, Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, featuring more than 70 species in a 111,000 square-foot complex, opened in April 2015. Zoo collection highlights include Mei Lun and Mei Huan, the only giant panda twins in the U.S.; North America’s largest zoological collection of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Up-close-and-personal animal experiences include behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters with African elephants, Aldabra giant tortoises, giant pandas, lemurs, Sumatran tigers and warthogs. Zoo Atlanta is open daily with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and special events run year-round. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD.