13-Foot Burmese Python Relocated to New York Zoo After Outgrowing Owner’s Care
A massive 13-foot Burmese python named Mango has been relocated to the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo in Rome, New York, after her owner admitted she had grown too large to handle. The three-year-old snake, which weighs around 80 pounds, was surrendered to authorities when the owner realized he could no longer care for her.
The zoo, which announced the relocation on social media, noted, “The owner was a little overwhelmed by how quickly she grew! We are ready for the challenge of maintaining this awesome creature.” Mango is a rare albino Burmese python, a species that can grow to impressive sizes.
The snake was handed over after a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) officer, Jeff Hull, responded to a report of an illegally kept large snake. Upon investigating, Hull identified Mango as a Burmese python due to her distinct arrowhead-shaped markings and discovered her confined to an enclosure only 5 feet long, despite her size.
Mango’s owner, Mike Stone, confessed he was unprepared for how fast she grew and decided it was best to surrender her to the zoo, which has the necessary permits to care for such a large snake. In a Facebook comment, Stone expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for taking my bella in and giving her a great home to live her long life out!” He added that Mango, who is affectionate and docile, will be missed by him and his children, and they plan to be regular visitors at the zoo.
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