The role of the dark water snake at the Vitebsk Zoo went to a terrestrial albino python
In the Vitebsk Zoo, the role of the dark water snake – the symbol of 2013 according to the Chinese calendar – was assigned to a land albino python, said the zoo director Irina Orlova.
Five inhabitants vied for the main snake role in the coming year at the zoo. The anaconda, although called a water snake by zoologists, was immediately rejected by the expert council due to its bad temper – it is quarrelsome and aggressive. The corn snake turned out to be too small – only half a meter long, the Indonesian and Argentine pythons seemed mediocre performers. But the tiger python, despite being an albino, was suitable both in its model parameters: weight about 100 kg and length almost five meters, and in temperament – calm and good-natured.
It is precisely this way – abundant, prosperous, and bright – that the coming year should be for those visitors of the Vitebsk Zoo who will take a picture with the albino python, believes Irina Orlova. A lucky photo session at the zoo will be organized until the Chinese New Year – until February 10, 2013.
The Vitebsk Zoological Park was founded on March 30, 1992, on the basis of the animal theater that existed in the city. Currently, over 70 species of animals – more than 1,000 individuals – are kept here on an area of 1.3 hectares.