May 2012
25 May 2012
Alimah the albino Burmese python is turning heads due to the amazing pigmentation of her skin... and her size!
Weighing in at a staggering 45kg and stretching out to a whopping14 feet long, it took the combined efforts of three reptile keepers, plus Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin to carry Alimah into her new enclosure.
Australia Zoo owner, Terri Irwin said the unique appearance and dramatic colour of Alimah makes her a very special addition to the Australia Zoo family.
"Alimah is very special because she is the only albino Burmese python to be on display in Australia. Alimah is 14 feet long and weighs in at 45kg; she is an interesting snake because they grow to be one of the giants; she will grow to be about 16 feet long and about 100kg," Terri said.
Staff recently farewelled Lilly the reticulated python who, at between 35-40 years old, was one of the largest and oldest pythons in captivity. Lilly had called Australia Zoo home since her arrival in the early 1980s, and sadly passed away last week. Staff and visitors to Australia Zoo
will certainly miss seeing Lilly around in her enclosure.
Right beside Alimah's enclosure as she settled in was Robert Irwin, sticking close by to make sure she was made comfortable.
"Alimah is such a gorgeous python and she seemed to have felt right at home as soon as we laid her down in her enclosure", Robert said.
Big sister Bindi was right beside Robert welcoming Alimah to her new home.
"I have known Lilly since I was born and saying goodbye to her was certainly sad but she has spent over 30 fantastic years here at Australia Zoo and I am sure Alimah is going to love her new home as much as Lilly did," said Bindi.
Visitors to Australia Zoo can come and check out Alimah in her new enclosure to make her feel right at home.
6 Zoo Comments
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sam 31st July 2012 16:00:04 AEST
amazing
Gail from London 10th June 2012 03:18:13 AEST
Hello AZ, I am sooooooooooooooooooo excited. In under two hours time, 8 p.m. UK time, I am going to be watching Steve and Terri on TV (America's Deadliest Snakes). I can't wait to see this Series. Steve still excites me, still inspires me and I still love him to bits xx
Kelly 8th June 2012 11:54:15 AEST
Bindi is looking more and more like mom with every picture I see :) I'm so glad you guys and the Zoo are still going strong! Keep it up :) I'll hopefully be able to visit. Been my dream since I was a child lol.
neinka lando 6th June 2012 09:25:26 AEST
I wish I was worthy of my own biogenic enclosure at your zoo and the loving care of such beautiful people like you and the staff there.
Gillian From Canada 3rd June 2012 17:21:42 AEST
Alimah, Is One Beautiful Snake
Gail from London 27th May 2012 09:21:24 AEST
Wow, that's what I call a snake. So glad Australia Zoo is going to be her home; she's one very lucky snake xx So sorry to hear of the loss of Lilly. I know she would have had a wonderful life and would have been deeply loved and respected by all. It's also lovely to see you all looking so well and happy; sincerely hope all is well in your part of the world xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx