Stolen Albino Burmese Python

[LadyParvati]

Just to spread the word:

Our local Little River Zoo, Norman, Oklahoma, had its 12 foot Albino Burmese Python stolen yesterday (Friday, Oct. 3). If anybody hears of a 12 foot albino Burmese for sale anytime soon, it would be really nice if the Norman Police or the Little River Zoo were given information so they could check on it.

Maybe it won't be our zoo's python, but maybe it will. It would be nice to get him back.

Little River Zoo is an independent zoo that was begun as a rescue operation. Their animals are very well cared for.

[Aaron_S]

Whoa! Is there an article link to this? I want to know how did a zoo have an animal stolen?

[C#@$e]

I want to know how did a zoo have an animal stolen?
that is exactly what i wanna know did someone like break into the tank like just broke the glass or what? that is just so weird i thought that they tight security!

[LadyParvati]

Apparently there was collusion with someone on the inside. Here's the http to the article that appeared in our local newspaper, if you're interested. If the link doesn't work, let me know; I'll try to post it another way. The paper does offer e-mail capabilities, but not much else.

The Norman Transcript - Albino python reported missing from Little River Zoo (http://www.normantranscript.com/archivesearch/local_story_278012344)

My DH & I are a little worried that someone plans to use it for a Halloween prank, which could become a very bad scene, as the python should be getting hungry already (he was fed a week ago Saturday).

[LadyParvati]

Well, weird. I had a little posting confusion with the system & it posted twice. Hopefully editing it will get rid of the duplicate!

[Aaron_S]

Wow. Someone REALLY wants that snake to steal it twice in 10 days. I'm suprised that most of the information in that article is fairly accurate. It still seems though that the article is trying to make the snake look like some deadly animal, even though they did mention at the end about how it's popular with educational shows.

[C#@$e]

Thats relly weird how the whole article was talking about him biting people, but they take him to reptail shows? lol. and did they check the guys house again, also im guessing you could get alot of money for merlin. my bet is that the guy is trying to sell it or has already sold it. and ladyparvati could you get a pic of merlin so we know if we see him for sale.

[Aaron_S]

He's an albino burmese python. People can barely GIVE them away. Unless the person who stole him has a buyer lined up, I doubt he'll be able to sell it for much. I think it's been done moreso to get back at someone or the zoo and not really a sale thing.

[SerpentLust]

It could also have nothing to do with anyone who knows anything about the burm market, or any snake market, and they just ASSUME they could get a lot of money for an albino burm...

[Aaron_S]

It had to be an inside job. They KNEW where the snake was, they knew the fact all the security had been changed and apparantly some added. If not someone actually stealing the animal who works there, easily someone who knows someone who works there. Thus someone knowing enough about snakes. Nice try Jenn ;):P

[SerpentLust]

Oh Aaron do you REALLY wanna play the wit game again, you'll lose or we'll just get bored. Sorry to break it to you but not all Zoo employees are aware of the snake market. Even those who know enough to care for snakes. Quite frankly most of the Zoology and Biology majors I know who get into Zookeeping don't know jack about the retail value of the animals, they are simply there to care for the animal. But regardless, trivial debates on a thiefs motives really don't solve any issues now do they. So run along :D lol

[Aaron_S]

Hey don't go blowing off the argument just because you got the last word!

[SerpentLust]

Hey don't go blowing off the argument just because you got the last word!

*giggles* But it was a damn good last word. Why you would try to debate Zookeepers with a zoology major is beyond me Aaron haha :D

[Aaron_S]

It's because I can!

Anyways, I still believe someone had to have some idea of how much they could sell the snake for. If not that then at least someone to let the person know how easy the snake could be stolen, due to the new security measures not really being any better.

[LadyParvati]

Unfortunately, the photo that ran in the paper edition of the newspaper isn't available (that I can find) on the website, and the Little River Zoo doesn't have a photo of the snake on their website either.

I think they weren't so much trying to make the python seem deadly in general as much as they were trying to stress that he's getting hungry, and if he gets too hungry, he's liable to bite, and if he bites, it will be nasty. After all, he is a big snake.

I just hope they don't decide he's too much trouble and kill him, or let him go--he'll freeze here.

[LadyParvati]

Here's a message from Janet Schmid at Little River Zoo:

Thank you so much for your help. People can contact us this way: Janet at the Zoo [jszoo@sbcglobal.net], or call us at 405-366-7229 or call the Norman Police Department (405-321-1600). We are very worried about Merlin -- he is an awesome snake. Thank you again for your help. Janet




Deliberately Doing Good For Kids!
Janet Sadler Schmid
Little River Zoo
Your Zoo For Life!
Teach Kindness. Teach Humane Education.

[Aaron_S]

He's a 12 foot burmese python. I do know they can be considered bottomless pits but any snake can go more than 7 - 10 days and not be hungry. Even if the snake was hungry, it has no reason to bite someone and constrict them unless you smell,act,look like prey.

[mykee]

"But regardless, trivial debates on a thiefs motives really don't solve any issues now do they. So run along lol "
Someone woke up on the wrong side of their smug cage this morning...
Any way you spin it, the snake is worth $250, so whomever stole it either wants it for themselves, it too stoopid to realize he stole a "cheap" snake, or just likes to steal.

[SerpentLust]

Someone woke up on the wrong side of their smug cage this morning...

LMAO mykee, Aaron is fully aware that I was just joking around. :p

[Aaron_S]

Micheal with a score!

Take THAT Jenn!

[SerpentLust]

Micheal with a score!

Take THAT Jenn!

Don't make me go and get Mark on my side!! LOL

[LadyParvati]

HE'S BACK! Merlin is back home! Someone left a red bag at the gate to the zoo--he was in it, cold and hungry. I'll bet whoever took him found out that feeding him was a lot more challenging than they expected. Probably figured out they couldn't really house him easily either. and from what y'all are saying, selling would not have been easy . . . all in all, stealing him wasn't worth it!! YAY!! :)

[SerpentLust]

YAY! That's awesome news :)

[C#@$e]

i have a confession it was me. i didnt have a large ebogh in closer so i droped him back off.

[Aaron_S]

Nice try there kiddo. You don't even live in the same state.

Again with the poor typing, it took a bit of time to decipher that one.

[LadyParvati]

Actually, I still haven't deciphered it, but it's OK. We're all just thankful Merlin is safe & sound--not a mark on him. One person has been charged for the first theft, but they're still investigating the second theft.

[C#@$e]

Yea im working on my own alaphabet, Got That??

[LadyParvati]

Sure, you can do that if you want to. You'll just have trouble communicating with the rest of the world, as a shared code is what makes communication possible. Best of luck!

[SerpentLust]

Jesus guys the kid's 13, pick on someone your own age....even if his posts are kind of annoying haha

Aaron I'm calling you out, let's see whose grammar and spelling wins :p

[Aaron_S]

The forum is not a place for such games.

[SerpentLust]

The forum is not a place for such games.

LOL You're no fun :p

[mykee]

"Micheal with a score! "
Dude, if you're gonna reference me, 'least spell my name right, sheesh!...

[Aaron_S]

Dammit...got the wrong spelling. I'll fix it.