The world’s heaviest snake has just had a very good week in Ayer Keroh.
Ten young, born on 5 October
A green anaconda named Diana gave birth to 10 young at Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary on 5 October. The sanctuary says she carried them for about 190 days and went almost seven months without eating.
Diana is six years old and about 2.74 metres long. She was herself born at the sanctuary in August 2020, which makes this a second-generation breeding success for the species in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s biggest anaconda collection
The sanctuary’s managing director, Gerard Wong, says it now holds more than 40 green anacondas, the largest population of the species in Malaysia. He described the birth as proof that careful animal care and monitoring can bring Amazon species through a full breeding cycle in Malaysia.
Can you see the babies?
Not yet. The young are being kept under close observation and are not on public display. Their sex has not been determined, and the team says their health and stability come first.
That should not put you off a visit. The adult reptile areas, the walk-through butterfly garden and the other wildlife sections stay open as usual.
Planning a visit
The sanctuary sits beside the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza and opens daily from 9am to 5:30pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. Allow around three hours. Much of the site is shaded or indoors, so it works well in the heat or rain.
It pairs easily with Zoo Melaka nearby, where a black panther cub was recently waiting for a name. Together they make a good family day in Ayer Keroh. See the Family Weekend itinerary for more ideas.
