THE world’s biggest snake in captivity has died aged 35 after growing to 26ft and 300lbs.
Tributes poured in for Goldie following her death, describing her as a “gentle giant”.
The python died at the SkunkApe Research Headquarters in Ochopee, west of Florida, US.
Centre owner, Jack Shealy, said: “It was her time.
“She lived a full life, and she was iconic to this place.
“For 20-something years she’s been part of our family.”
Goldie came to SkunkApe in the early 2000s after being re-homed from a zoo and spending a few years as a household pet.
She is thought to have been between 10 and 15 years old when she arrived.
A representative from SkunkApe said: “With an impressive lifespan of over 30 years, she was truly a legend among reticulated pythons.
“Working with reptiles has always been a challenge and a privilege, and Goldie was a huge part of that journey.
“Rest easy, Goldie. You were one of a kind.”
Guinness World Records reports the biggest reticulated python ever captured was 32 feet, 9.5 inches, and the longest living in captivity was a 25-foot, 2-inch snake that died in 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Gag-inducing vid shows dead unborn snakes spilled across road after bursting from exploded giant anaconda mother” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366809185112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Goldie was about 6 inches longer at the time of her death.
Reticulated pythons are native to south and southeast Asia.
But unlike the Everglades’ Burmese pythons, Goldie was a domesticated pet and did not threaten the native wildlife.
