Sponsored by
Roundhay: Meet the latest big attractions at Tropical World
A couple of slippery characters could soon have visitors snaking around Tropical World at Roundhay.
The attraction has taken delivery of a rare albino Burmese Python and a Yellow Anaconda.
The pair moved to Leeds from Scotland where they had outgrown their previous homes and, together with six other snakes threatened with extinction, are now on public view.
The female Burmese Python is likely to be the new star attraction because of its sheer size and unusual colouring.
One of the largest species of snake in the world, the Burmese Python is native to the rainforests of south-east Asia and grows on average to be 18ft long (5.5 metres) and weigh over 10 stones. The heaviest recorded in captivity reached 27 feet long and weighed over 28 stones.
The Tropical World python is a relative tiddler at 11ft – but is only three years old and still growing.
The species usually has brown-green and cream colouring, but the albino has no dark pigments in its skin, which in the wild would be a huge disadvantage as it would be unable to camouflage itself and would be an easy target for predators. The four-year-old juvenile male Yellow Anaconda – currently about four-and-a-half feet long – is likely to double in size when fully grown.
They have been joined by six smaller snakes also threatened with extinction. The six, all boas, have come from an animal centre in the Cotswolds.
Coun John Procter, executive member for leisure services, said: "We are delighted to have these new snakes here in Leeds at Tropical World.
"We cannot wait for the people of Leeds to come along and see them – the Burmese Python is amazing to look at and I'm sure is likely to be hugely popular with visitors of all ages.
"This is just the beginning for Tropical World though, we have lots of exciting new animals on the way and we will very shortly be introducing some extra special new arrivals which everyone is sure to want to come and see."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Web poll: Who is to blame for Leeds United’s league position? VOTE HERE
- Leeds United: Redfearn among bookmakers’ favourites for job UPDATED
- Murder probe arrest after body found at Leeds house UPDATED
- Leeds United: A Bristol breeze! - Gray
- Leeds United: Billy Davies will listen if Whites come calling
- Web poll: Who is to blame for Leeds United’s league position? VOTE HERE
- Leeds United: Redfearn among bookmakers’ favourites for job UPDATED
- Leeds United: Billy Davies will listen if Whites come calling
- Leeds United: A Bristol breeze! - Gray
- Bristol City v Leeds United: Redfearn focused on the here and now
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -7 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
