Snakes alive - multiple births at Exmoor Zoo!

THE snake population at Exmoor Zoo has mushroomed overnight after Mr and Mrs Boa constrictor proved that one plus one really equals 30. Mrs B gave birth to a squirming mass of around 30 baby boas, much to the delight of watching zoo visitors and staff. Bo

THE snake population at Exmoor Zoo has mushroomed overnight after Mr and Mrs Boa constrictor proved that one plus one really equals 30.

Mrs B gave birth to a squirming mass of around 30 baby boas, much to the delight of watching zoo visitors and staff.

Boa constrictors are one of the few snakes that give birth to live young. Several of them were still born, but that is not unusual and 16 of the new arrivals survived to be transferred to another enclosure in the tropical house at the zoo, near Bratton Fleming.

"We knew she was pregnant as we had seen them mating frequently, but did not know exactly when they were due," said keeper Luke De Wit-Vine.

"They do breed in captivity but we are pleased as this is our first scaly family to be born here. Mr and Mrs Boa don't have to worry about looking after the young because they are born as fully equipped snakes that know what to do."

The young snakes will eventually find homes at other zoos and wildlife collections.