Snake thief breaks into zoo

A member of staff at the zoo holds a milk snake, which the intruder unsuccessfully attempted to steal: photo - PAP/Andzrej Grygiel

An intruder was recorded on security cameras leaping over the zoo's wall at about midnight.

“The thief made use of the din of firecrackers and fireworks, so that the breaking of glass wasn't noticed by anyone,” claimed zoo director Jolanta Kopiec, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

It was not until the following morning that staff realised that an intruder had broken into a terrarium. The thief had left two grass snakes in place of the pythons.

Allegedly, the intruder also tried to seize a milk snake (pictured above), but was unsuccessful.

Kopiec noted that the thief may have difficulties selling the pythons, as the snakes had been fitted with chips.

She also believes that the animals may have suffered as a result of the incident.

“Removing snakes from a terrarium that is over 25 degrees Celsius and carrying them into a yard where the temperature is around zero degrees could end badly for the animals,” she said.

The zoo estimates that its losses are about 1500 zloty (368 euro).

he royal python (python regius) gained its name owing to the legend that Egyptian ruler Cleopatra wrapped the snakes round her wrists as a form of jewellery. (nh)