TIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rapid weight gain may be a cause of concern for many. But not for Angela, the anaconda in Thiruvananthapuram zoo. Angela is gaining weight, as if with a vengeance. And zoo officials suspect she is pregnant. If all goes well, Angela will be the first ananconda to give birth in the state.
When seven anacondas, native to tropical South America, were brought to the city zoo from Sri Lanka a couple of years ago, they hadn’t reached sexual maturity. Zoo officials noticed mating activity in March this year when male anacondas gathered around the female in the shape of a ball, known as the breeding ball.
“The average gestation period of anacondas is six to seven months. However, there can be variations in the gestation period and delivery can happen early due to factors including climactic variations,” said Zoo veterinarian Dr Jacob Alexander.
Anacondas are ovo-viviparous, which means they produce their young by means of eggs which are hatched within the body of the parent. Shifting the 60-kg female anaconda for ultrasound scan in order to confirm pregnancy, may endanger the young ones. So, zoo officials have adopted a wait and watch policy.
“We are constantly monitoring the health of the anacondas. The zoo has all the facilities to take care of the young ones in case the female anaconda gives birth,” said Zoo Superintendent Anil Kumar, who recently assumed charge.
In their natural habitat, Anacondas can give birth to 30 offsprings in a single delivery. However, zoo officials do not expect more than three offsprings to survive.
Zoo officials say anaconda offsprings can be a “jackpot” as they can be exchanged them for rare animals or birds from other zoos. “Already there are many inquires from zoos across the country for anaconda offsprings,” officials said.
Though zoos in Hyderabad and Mysore and the crocodile bank in Chennai have anacondas, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has the highest number of green anacondas. The upkeep of large snakes is a challenge to the zoo as it needs special care compared to other reptiles.