Rock python has two babies at city zoo, makes history

NEW DELHI: For the first time in the history of National Zoological Park (popularly known as Delhi zoo), an Indian rock python has given birth to two babies. While it had laid five eggs last week, only two of them hatched.
According to zoo officials, the newborns are about 54 cm long and weigh 115 gm and 118 gm respectively. "So far, we have been unsuccessful in breeding Indian rock pythons.This is a first for our zoo," said Delhi zoo director B S Bonal. At present, the zoo has seven Indian rock pythons and one reticulate python.
For the time being, both of them have been separated from the mother. "They are under the constant care of our reptile house keepers who are traditional saperas. In the beginning, they will be made to acquaint with themselves with the surroundings. Later, they will be made to fend for themselves, as it happens in their natural habitat," said Bonal.
Generally, the female Indian rock python seeks secluded lairs to lay eggs.
She lays clutches of four-five eggs, sometimes a total of even 100. She coils around the egg mass and broods them like a bird, elevating her body temperature by shivering to provide the high and constant incubation temperature (above 36 degrees Celsius). She can raise the temperature by up to 7 degrees Celsius, Bonal added.
The babies will not be fed with proper food till the time it sheds its skin. "That should be around the 15th day or so, after which we will provide them with eggs and tadpoles and gradually increase the food intake," said Bonal.
A python may live for more than 20 years. But unfortunately, it is often hunted for its beautiful skin, which is made into leather. It is considered a delicacy in some places and also caught for the pet trade.
"The Indian rock python is the most popular giant of the pet trade, as they are handsomely patterned and usually docile. Although legally protected in some countries such as India, they are considered vulnerable and may soon become endangered," lamented Bonal.