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Metro

13-foot Burmese python relocated to NY zoo after owner admitted it was getting too big to handle

By
Yvonne Juris
Published Sep. 5, 2024, 8:39 p.m. ET

This pet is hiss-tory.

A 13-foot Burmese python snake was relocated to a New York zoo after its owner admitted she was getting too big for him to care for. 

The three-and-a-half-year-old snake named Mango is now under the care of Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, New York after the pet was surrendered to authorities, the zoo said in an Aug. 30 social media post.

“The owner was a little overwhelmed by how quickly she grew!” the zoo said in the statement. “We were surprised as well, but we are ready for the challenge of maintaining this awesome creature!”

A picture of the male offier and a woman holdiong the snake in a zoo.
The Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo welcomed Mango, a 13-foot Burmese python after she was taken from her previous owner. Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

The female snake, which the zoo said is a rare Albino Burmese python was relocated after a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officer responded to a complaint of a large snake that was thought to be illegally kept as a pet, the department said in an official statement Tuesday. 

The Environmental Conservation officer Jeff Hull identified the snake as a Burmese python based on the arrowhead design on its head, after seeing a picture of it.

When Hull entered the pet’s home, the officer discovered the 13.2-foot snake confined to an enclosure that was no bigger than 5 feet. The snake, which the officer said was still growing, weighed a whopping 80 lbs.

Mango’s owner confessed that he was “not prepared for how fast the animal would grow,” and realized he could no longer take care of it, the NYSDEC said.

Mango was seized and donated to the zoo, which has the required permits to possess the snake, the NYSDEC said.

An office holds the snake and bends down to pose and take a picture with it
Say cheese? A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officer got to get close to Mango. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Her owner, who is based in New Hartford in Oneida County, according to WNYT, was issued citations for illegal pet ownership and for possessing a dangerous animal without a permit, the NYSDEC said.

The zoo, meanwhile, said it is working on plans to enlarge her habitat, to “suit her growing needs.”

The owner, who identified himself as Mike Stone through a Facebook comment on the zoo’s post, said he “could not be happier with where she ended up!”

“Thank you soo much for taking my bella in and giving her a great home to live her long life out!” he commented on the post.

He added that Mango is docile, loves affection and attention and will be missed by him and his kids. He said he and his family will be “regular visitors now going forward.”

Rebecca Stedman, who co-owns the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo with her husband Chris, told The Post that the zoo is also delighted to have Mango join the Zoo family.

“We’re thrilled because she is so docile — she’s really easy to work with,” Stedman said. “She’s gonna be a great animal for education purposes. We can bring her out, and let kids get up close and meet her.”

Stedman added that it was crucial for a snake her size “to be able to stretch out to breathe properly, otherwise they’re prone to respiratory infections.”

The snake, which could reach up to 17 feet in length, was clearly well fed and was “heavier than the average python at her age,” Stedman said.

She added that as long as the snake isn’t startled, it’s generally safe to take care of.

The zoo also has a ball python and two boa constrictors, Stedman added.