Missing Python Found Inside Zoo Premises, Returns Home Safe

Zoo Atlanta finally found a missing Timor Python after it escaped an outdoor enclosure on July 9.

"Timor python has been found by Zoo Atlanta staff on Zoo property and has been safely returned to its home," the zoo's management tweeted at 10:25 p.m. on July 10.

The python had been held in the Conservation and Breeding center and was not on display for public viewing. The outdoor enclosure was being used so that the animal could benefit from natural sunlight during the day.

Zoo Atlanta assured everyone that there is nothing to be afraid of with the Timor python. The Southeast Asian snake is a shy species with non-aggressive behavior and prefers avoiding any contact with humans.

Its main diet consists of birds and small mammals so people can be assured that humans and their domestic pets are safe from the snake as it is unlikely to eat anything that is heavier than 2 pounds.

The missing snake was 5 to 6 feet long and is two inches thick. As all pythons, its skin pattern is yellow and dark brown.

Zoo Atlanta has always had a policy that venomous snakes cannot be put in open enclosures. Management also claims that they have additional measures in place to make sure that these spaces are secure.

It was kept in the enclosure as part of a conservation program when it escaped.

Zoo staff and officials have been scouring the premises and the Grant Park area since Saturday when the semi-arboreal snake was reported to be missing.