SEATTLE TIMES (Washington) 16 July 07 Zoo's python dies after surgery (Brian Alexander)
Woodland Park Zoo's 18-foot python has died after surgery, the zoo reported Monday.
The 20-year-old reticulated python died Friday morning after undergoing surgery for removal of retained eggs.
The snake did well during the surgery and was recovering when it died, according to a zoo press release. A preliminary necropsy pointed to heart disease as a possible cause of death.
Prior to the surgery the snake had stopped eating so veterinary staff ordered x-rays and an ultrasound, which showed retained eggs within the python's body cavity.
The snake was an attraction in the zoo's Day Exhibit, which is a gallery of reptiles and amphibians. The zoo took possession of her in 1988 when Seattle police confiscated her from a private owner.
When she arrived at the zoo she was about 6 feet long and about a year old. When she died she was more than 18 feet long and 185 pounds. She was the zoo's largest snake.
The monthly program where visitors got to see zookeepers feed the snake was very popular, according to the zoo.
The snake was never given an official name, a zoo spokeswoman said.
Zoo's python dies after surgery