Animal Diaries Archive

Boas Are Back

28 December 2007

WOW CHECK THESE GUYS OUT, This is one of our Red-tailed boas' - Boa constrictor constrictor, called Caramel. These guys have been a hit with Zoo patrons ever since Rosie, our stalwart female, did her first television appearance with Terri over 10 years ago. These guys will be seen all around the zoo with our rovers over the summer period. They are excellent snakes that have an amazing ability to help people get over their fears. They're as quiet (and as lazy) as a rug on valium. These little fellas are the puppy dog of the snake world. They will happily sit quietly on a keeper's arm or around their shoulders as they go about their day.

The Red-tailed boa can be found throughout South America and grow to be one of the world's largest snakes. They have been recorded at lengths up to 5 metres! It takes many years for snakes to reach lengths anywhere near this and our boas are just notching up the 1 metre mark. They are an arboreal snake, which means they love spending their day in trees. They are built for strength rather than speed. These stout little nuggets need to be able to hold their enormous weight up in the trees and overpower large animals such as Monkeys and Tapir- a ground mammal the size of a large dog. Don't let their short robust frame fool you though; these snakes can strike out at passing prey at tremendous speeds when they need to!

Just like all our roving animals here at Australia Zoo, if you are lucky enough to see one roaming around with a Roving Keeper, come on over and say hello.