VIDEO: WATCH ZOO KEEPERS SCAN HUGE NINE STONE PYTHON
The annual health check-up of a reticulated python took place at Chester Zoo - so zoo keepers took the opportunity to take a look at a snake’s very unique heart via ultrasound.
The reticulated python - the longest species of snake in the world - had her eyes covered to keep her calm as she was looked over. Indeed JF is thought to be one of the biggest snakes in Europe, weighing in at around 60kgs. As well as checks on her general health, JF met cardio experts Eric Stohr and Aimee Drane from Cardiff Metropolitan University who took the opportunity to perform an ultrasound scan on the giant snake’s heart. The zoo’s pythons are taking part in cardiological study as part of a joint research programme between the zoo and the university. It is hoped that looking at JF will also provide insight for people studying the human heart.