PERTH Zoo is mourning the loss of visitor favourite Cuddles, the reticulated python.
Cuddles was over five metres long and was estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old.
He was confiscated in New South Wales after being kept illegally as a pet, finding a home at Taronga Zoo Sydney before being moved to Perth Zoo.
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READ NOWThe Zoo paid tribute to Cuddles in a Facebook post.
Cuddles was an elderly reticulated python, and in recent years began to experience various medical issues,” the Zoo said.
“As age started to catch-up with him, he was at the vets more often than not, even moving into his own ‘ward’ for a short stint.
“He made news headlines in 2015 when we took him for a CT scan at Murdoch Uni Vet Hospital.
“Too big to fit inside the scanner, his body was ‘doubled up’ to allow veterinarians a better look. Even then, his tail was overhanging the end of the table.
“Over the past month, Cuddles quality of life deteriorated.
“He lost a lot of weight and even though his keepers offered him his favourite foods, he was uninterested and inactive in spite of the excellent ambient temperature and humid conditions of his snakey home which should promote a good level of activity.
“We are proud of the care we provided Cuddles and ensuring his welfare was the priority right up until the end.
“Farewell Cuddles. You were a magnificent animal to care for.”