Hide & Seek Involving Poisonous Snake at Moody Gardens

NEWS RELEASE FROM MOODY GARDENS

GALVESTON, Texas- ... Reports of a missing Bush Viper at Moody Gardens® were confirmed as inaccurate Tuesday evening as the snake was discovered after 1 ½ days of hide and seek in the snake exhibit at the Rainforest Pyramid®.

"Camouflage is typical snake behavior," said Paula Kolvig, Assistant Curator of the Rainforest Pyramid. "Snakes camouflage in their exhibit just as they do in nature. This snake is green in color, approximately 10 - 12 inches long and one inch in diameter. It is quite easy and natural for it camouflage."

The African Bush Viper is a venomous snake that resides in a highly secured exhibit with two other Bush Vipers and three Gaboon Vipers. Staff became aware of the situation Monday morning during the biologist's routine morning inventory accounted for five snakes. The same biologist had conducted the evening census on Sunday evening and all six snakes were accounted for.

"We immediately pulled the five snakes from their exhibit and began a thorough search of the exhibit as we inspected under brush and branches in this area," said Kolvig, who added this is standard protocol for this situation. There were no breaches of containment in the exhibit and the public was never in danger. "We also conducted x-rays on the animals to see if one of the other snakes had perhaps eaten the Bush Viper."

Kolvig added that a Gaboon Viper consuming the Bush Viper would not be considered typical snake behavior, but every possibility has to be considered. The Gaboon Viper is approximately six feet in length and is capable of consuming the smaller Bush Viper.

"Since there was not a breach of containment, there was no need to present false alarms to the public," said General Manager John Zendt, who added that it is important to not draw conclusions as all possibilities are explored by staff.  "We are pleased to know that the animal is safe and exhibiting healthy behavior. The staff is reassembling plants and brush and all snakes will be back on exhibit in the Rainforest Pyramid® this weekend."