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Thousand Oaks' 'Albino' Cobra Will Be Put On Display At The San Diego Zoo
Remember the 'albino' cobra that terrorized Thousand Oaks back in September? Well, those in the community who missed the pale-skinned venomous reptile can now pay it a visit, as it will go on display at the San Diego Zoo.After the snake was captured, zookeepers at the Los Angeles Zoo inspected the 2-year old, 4-foot female, and determined she still had her venom glands intact. Thankfully, no humans or pets were harmed during her reign of terror. A pet dog that was reported to have been bitten was likely hurt trying to flee from the snake.
Nobody ever stepped forward as the owner of the snake.
The cobra (a monocled cobra, specifically) was not a true albino, as was initially reported. True albinos lack any pigmentation, and would have red eyes as a result. The snake still had its natural blue eyes and therefore had leucism, a condition where pigmentation is reduced.
The snake was eventually transferred to the San Diego Zoo, where it has been given a clean bill of health. "She eats well. She has shed her skin nicely," Brett Baldwin, animal care manager for reptiles at the San Diego Zoo, told the LA Times.
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Pending the results of a blood test, the snake will be transferred to her new home in the zoo's Reptile House within the next 10 days. She has yet to be named, and the zoo will likely hold a naming contest.
And while the snake will likely miss the freedom of Thousand Oak's lush hills, zookeepers hope she acclimates to her new home. "It will probably take a while before she becomes relaxed to having people pass by on the other side of the glass," said Baldwin. The enclosure will be re-done to give her plenty of hiding places. "We want to make sure she's comfortable."
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