Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center’s Post

An unintentional Snake 🐍 Sunday! Yesterday, staff (and our orangutans 🦧) found a juvenile rat snake inside the back of our Orangutan building. A young, harmless snake that was likely just on the search for food now that the weather has warmed up. However- did you know most primates are instinctively scared of snakes? “It’s to the point where sometimes a loose hose, rope, or other snake-like objects can trigger a fear response in primates,” states Keeper Megan. “Even in primates that are in human care, and have never even seen a snake before.” A prime example - a photo of Mawas checking out the area the snake was in before entering the building. The snake was long gone from the premises by the time the photo was taken! When encountering snakes - we always choose to safely relocate them to a less trafficked area. If you happen upon a snake at home we encourage you to keep a safe distance and do the same if possible. Snakes are a wonderful, natural form of pest control and keep us safe from multiple diseases. 🐍 📸: Animal Curator Shanna & Keeper Megan #snakesunday #herpetology #snake #snakelove #primates #primatefacts #orangutan #orangutanfact #topekazoo

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