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Wednesday, June 19, 2013 | 8:01 p.m.

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Zoo Atlanta measures snake

 

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  • How do you weigh and measure a 16-foot snake? Very carefully, that's how.
  • That was the task for Zoo Atlanta personnel Tuesday as it was time for Rita, the reticulated python, to get her annual check.
  • Rita is by far the largest snake at the zoo. In the wild, reticulated pythons are the longest. Anacondas are the biggest, but some reticulated pythons grow to 30 feet in length.
  • When Zoo Atlanta experts completed the measurements on Rita, she checked in at 15 feet 11 inches, give or take a few.
  • Mendelson noted there are a couple reasons for doing the measurements. The zoo needs to make sure the snake isn't getting obese, and veterinary medicines are given out in doses by weight. When there's an emergency, that's not the time the experts want to try to get a quick measurement.
  • Rita's weight was measured at 97 pounds.
  • While most people wouldn't want to come across a snake the size of Rita in the wild, guests can check her out in her Zoo Atlanta home for now. But Rita and all of the other snakes will be moving shortly. Zoo Atlanta is breaking ground on a new facility to house these creatures in the fall.
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