Unique Two-Headed Snake 'Tiger-Lily' Under Care Due to Emerging Health Conditions

The unique two-headed snake was found with emerging health conditions, requiring the rare animal to undergo immediate surgery to avoid potential complications. According to reports, the two-headed snake surgery was successful, removing its two ovaries.

Discovering the different and unique species of snakes is important for protection or mitigation efforts, especially for possible health conditions. The discovery can allow researchers to have a better understanding of the ecology and habitats of many animals, both known and unknown, in the environment.

Unique Two-Headed Snake in Missouri: Latest Facts

According to a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) report, the two-headed snake (Pantherophis obsoletus), is a Western rat snake. The animal was supposed to leave the MDC. However, experts discovered that the snake had an emerging health condition, delaying the trip schedule.

Based on the observations, Tiger-Lily was discovered sneezing with traces of blood, which required an urgent examination. The team immediately brought the animal to the Animal Health Team at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Having two heads in a nake is a rare condition. Reports explain that the condition can be attributed to the animal's reproduction, which is also known as bicephaly, or having two heads. In terms of rates, a two-headed snake can occur for every one of the 100,000 snakes that come to life.

While two-headed snakes are unique, their species will find it challenging to survive, as the animal is prone to complications with a shorter lifespan. They can also become targets of predators because the condition can reduce their mobility.

As a result, the immediate evaluation of Tiger-Lily is important to save the animal from potential health decline. Experts discovered that the female snake had problems with its ovaries, or preovulatory stasis, causing the animal to suffer from infection risk and inflammation.

Also Read: Extremely Rare Cobra-Like Snake Unearthed Using Developments in DNA Extraction Technique, Report Shows

Two-Headed Snake Treatment

The veterinarian, who observed the health conditions of Tiger-Lily, decided to remove the snake's ovaries. The surgery was successful at the Saint Louis Zoo Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital.

According to recent reports, the two-headed snake is now recovering from the surgery, which can take up to a month. Tiger-Lily is expected to undergo a speedy recovery, with the help of the staff.

Protecting snakes is important because of their role in the environment, preventing the spread of invasive species, and biological control. In addition, the condition of Tiger-Lily is exceptional, requiring urgent care to avoid possible health issues.

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