Singapore – Singapore Zoo, the world’s only rainforest-themed zoo, has a new king cobra which has been absorbed into the park’s collection after being rescued by Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s (WRS) wildlife rescue experts. The 4.3 metre long snake, named Elvis, after the King of Rock and Roll, underwent quarantine and health evaluations by the park’s vets, and is now the star of the Singapore Zoo’s Reptile Garden. King cobras are the world’s largest venomous snakes and males average 4 metres in length.
First spotted in a drain along Thomson Road, WRS’ wildlife rescue experts were contacted by NParks officials, who feared that Elvis’ great size may put him in danger from frightened residents. WRS wildlife rescue experts arrived on the scene shortly and brought Elvis back to the wildlife rescue centre for evaluation and review. Because of the animal’s large size, WRS decided to absorb the animal into its collection amid worries that it may encroach on populated areas in the future, and be injured or killed.
“Wild animals such as king cobras are magnificent but they can also be dangerous,” said Biswajit Guha, Director, Zoology, Singapore Zoo. “Even though Singapore is heavily urbanised, we retain a vibrant native biodiversity and it is important that Singaporeans respect wildlife when we come across them outside of their forest homes.”
He added, “Members of the public should not attempt to approach wild animals particularly if they appear to be weak, injured or disorientated. Occasionally wild animals such as the king cobra may enter populated areas and are unable to return to the forest. They will likely be stressed and may react in unpredictable ways. Considering that the venom of a king cobra is extremely potent, people should leave the handling of these beautiful reptiles to experts.”
WRS operates Singapore’s only designated rescued wildlife centres and provides snake handling training upon request to relevant agencies and organisations.
ABOUT KING COBRAS
King cobras are the world’s largest venomous snake, with lengths that reach up to six metres. Male snakes average three to four metres, and female king cobras reach 3 metres. The only member of the genus Ophiophagus, which means snake-eater, the king cobra primarily preys on other snakes, including smaller king cobras. Highly aggressive and poisonous, the king cobra pumps enough venom in a single bite to kill a full-grown elephant or 20 men! A person bitten by a king cobra is likely to die within 30 to 45 minutes, but can be killed in as quickly as 15 minutes. Mortality rates reach 75% when untreated, and 33% when treated, making the king cobra one of the world’s deadliest snakes.
Though extremely dangerous, king cobras have coexisted with humans for a long time. A preferred prey is the rat snake which is often found near paddy fields and villages where rats abound. People who see a king cobra should avoid it and call NParks or WRS to report the reptile. Without proper training, a person who seeks to move the snake may be bitten, resulting in fatality. The king cobra can strike up at targets within 2.5m, making it extremely easy to misjudge safe distances.
King cobras, like other cobras, are easily recognised when it rears up, flattening its neck to form a hood, and exposing its fangs.
ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE RESCUED WILDLIFE CENTRES & WILDLIFE HEALTHCARE RESEARCH CENTRE (WHRC)
All WRS parks are designated rescued wildlife centres by the governing authority. Since 2006, WRS has received an average of between 300 to 400 animals every year through animal rescue, confiscations by Agri-Food Veterinary Authority (AVA) and the police, as well as public donations. All animals received by WRS are quarantined upon arrival to prevent the potential spread of diseases to the rest of the animals in the park. During the quarantine period, animals are cared for and administered by the park’s team of vets and keepers. The team observes the animals for signs of injury and illness, and will provide treatment and medication, if necessary.
The Wildlife Healthcare Research Centre (WHRC) is Singapore’s most sophisticated wildlife healthcare centre, featuring cutting edge medical technologies. Facilities include a digital x-ray machine, an extensive pharmacy of animal medicines, animal wards and treatment rooms, a fully equipped surgery room with top-of-the-line surgical equipment for invasive procedures, and a post-mortem room that can be completely isolated to contain biohazard dangers.
The WHRC and its sister centre, the Avian Hospital which has similar facilities dedicated to the treatment of birds, have always supported the conservation goals of local organisations. In recent years, WRS has provided complimentary medical care to wildlife brought to them by government agencies such as Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), private organisations such as Underwater World, and NGOs such as Animal Concerns and Research and Education Society (ACRES).
ABOUT SINGAPORE ZOO
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world famous “Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 29% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. To better meet the healthcare needs of its animals and working towards its aspiration to become a leading global centre of excellence for veterinary healthcare and research, a purpose-built Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre was set up in March 2006. In 2009, 1.6 million visitors enjoyed the experiential learning experience at the 28-hectare award-winning Zoo. Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.
Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found at www.zoo.com.sg
ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the parent company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo and the upcoming River Safari. WRS parks strive to be world-class leisure attractions, providing excellent exhibits of animals presented in their natural environment for the purpose of conservation, education and recreation.
In the areas of conservation and research, WRS parks have undertaken multiple projects through collaborations with various organizations and institutions on the oriental pied hornbill, pangolin and orang utan. Highly popular with tourists and locals, Jurong Bird Park welcomed 900,000 visitors, the Night Safari, more than 1.1 million, and Singapore Zoo over 1.6 million visitors in 2009.
More information can be found at www.wrs.com.sg
To view Singapore Zoo’s web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-1378-Singapore_Zoo