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ZooNooz Article - september 2004
Giant reptile weigh-in
Story by Michael McFadden
Photograph Adam Skidmore
The world's longest species of snake, these giants can grow to just over 10 metres.
Each year, the Herpetofauna staff at Taronga Zoo have
the colossal task of weighing some of the world's largest
reptiles. Weighing giants such as the Aldabara Tortoises,
the Reticulated Python and the Komodo Dragon not only
provides interesting information, it is also important in
monitoring the animals' health - if they lose significant weight
we know they may be unwell or simply not eating enough.
Crocodile |
The four resident Aldabara Tortoises (Esmeralda, Lance,
Wilma and Ace) were lured onto the large weighing scales
with bananas and sweet potatoes, and all except Wilma were
weighed as they passed slowly over the weighing board.
Wilma, who refused to cooperate, had to be lifted onto the
scales where she recorded a staggering 189 kilograms.
Weighing the Reticulated Python required the help
of four keepers who carefully carried the snake out of its
enclosure, aware of the capability of its musclebound coils.
The world's longest species of snake, these giants can grow
to just over 10 metres. Ours, at only 4.1 metres, weighed in at
a whopping 34 kilograms.
Tooka, the giant Komodo Dragon, was initially a little
bemused at the activity taking place within his sunny
enclosure, curiously flicking his tongue in the air. After
keepers finally coerced him onto the scales, the 2.75-metre
lizard recorded a massive 82 kilograms.
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