Tag: snakes

Wild Encounters!

RESIDENTS FROM LOCAL CARE HOME RECEIVE A VISIT FROM ZOO-LAB

Residents from Strachan House care home in Edinburgh were filled with joy as they received a surprise visit from Zoo-Lab. Residents were able to see animals from all around the world in person, and had a chance to enjoy holding giant African snails, snakes and all manor of creepy crawlies.  

Residents were able to spend time getting to ask questions at an informative session led by an enthusiastic and encouraging Zoo-lab Ranger, and learnt interesting facts such as ‘cockroaches are potentially more than 280 million years old!’

Fran Fisher General Manager of Strachan House said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their day meeting different creatures and learning all about them. We had a lot of fun, residents were able to pet certain animals on the day which was quite therapeutic!”

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides Nursing, Residential, Dementia and Respite care for short and long-term stays.

Snakes Alive! Anaconda gies Gordon the Willies!

Anaconda found loose in West Pilton!

snake

A four foot-long anaconda was rescued by a street cleaner who found it lying next to a fence in West Pilton Bank last Saturday. Gordon Fraser first thought the yellow snake was a child’s toy – until it moved!

Gordon bravely coaxed the snake into a box and took it back to his depot before contacting the Scottish SPCA.

William, as the snake has been named, is now being cared for at the charity’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno. He’s recovering well following three days of treatment at a vets.

Gordon Fraser explained: “I noticed the snake lying behind some cardboard next to a fence and thought it was a toy at first. Then it moved and I realised it was real!

“The snake looked in really poor condition so I tried to coax him into a cardboard box and we took him back to the depot. I’m pretty shocked to find out the snake is an anaconda – my workmates kept telling me not to touch him but I don’t think he would have survived for much longer if I hadn’t helped him.”

The SSPCA is now appealing for information. The charity’s June Chalcroft said: “Yellow anacondas need experienced owners as they are temperamental and will bite. However, William was extremely thin and dehydrated when he was found curled up outside and he didn’t put up a fight.

“We rescue all types of animals, including snakes, but they tend to be smaller species such as corn snakes. It’s extremely rare for a 4ft anaconda to be found in public.

“At this stage we don’t know how he came to be found outside. He may have escaped from home but we also have to consider the possibility he has been abandoned.”

Well, are you missing your pet snake?

Call the SSPCA on 03000 999 999

 

Record-breaking resident Rascal seeks new home

One thousand days in care for Rascal the snake

Rascal

A snake who has become the Scottish SPCA’s longest resident is looking for a home after 1000 days in care. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is hoping to find the right home for Rascal, a California kingsnake who arrived at their Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in the summer of 2012.

Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “Poor Rascal has been with us for nearly three years and has attracted very little interest. He arrived in our care after he was found behind a kitchen unit in Bathgate. A lot of people are put off by his appearance but we know there are plenty of reptile enthusiasts out there who will appreciate Rascal for the stunning creature he is.

“Rascal has a good temperament for a kingsnake and we are looking for an owner with previous snake experience to take him on. Snakes have specialist care requirements and should not be rehomed on a whim so we would certainly urge any would-be owners to do their research.”

Anyone who can offer Rascal a new home is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh centre on 03000 999 999.