Animal Diaries Archive

Introducing Big Phill

19 October 2007

Few may remember an animal diary entry from 2005 announcing the birth of some beautiful baby Burmese Pythons. Well here we are two years on and have a go at this little steamer, "Big Phill". Big Phill is no ordinary snake he is my pride and joy, the envy of every other animal at the zoo, he is destined to be a great educator and entertainer ridding people of their fear of snakes and bringing everyone closer to reptiles.

Over the last couple of weeks Big Phill has started to get out and about to meet patrons and spread the word of conservation. Burmese Pythons are typically a very quiet and placid species which makes them perfect for life in the public eye; they're also one of the world's largest species of snakes. Burmese Pythons are found throughout South-East Asia and can reach lengths of 6m and weigh over 100kg. At this size they are capable of ambushing large prey such as pigs, constricting them and swallowing them whole!

Next time you're at the zoo keep your eye out for Big Phill roving around the zoo, you could even have your photo taken with one of his brothers or sisters at our wildlife photography studio.