29 November 2007

snake sister

I liked this story from the UK Telegraph

Boy's best friend is a 4.8-metre-long python

By Sally Peck
Last Updated: 2:40am GMT 29/11/2007

While many children might wish to curl up with a dog or cat, a young Cambodian boy prefers to spend his time with a 4.8-metre-long python.

In the village of Sit Tbow, 50 kilometres east of Phnom Penh, Sambath Uon, seven, reportedly refuses to go to sleep without the company of his pet, Chamreun, or Lucky, in Khmer.

Sambath Uon and Lucky
Telegraph TV: Sambath and his pet are the same age

The snake slithered into town in 2000, when Sambath was just a few months old.

While the boy's father tried to return the snake to the forest three times, the Burmese python loyally returned to her young master and has earned the acceptance of villagers, who think she brings good fortune.

Sambat and Lucky

Young Sambath said of his faithful companion: "I love the python like my sister."

The affection appears to be mutual, despite the fact that pythons are typically afraid of people and avoid humans if at all possible.

One of the world's largest snakes, the Burmese python, which is found throughout Southeast Asia, can grow up to 8 metres long and weigh up to 180 kg. Females like Lucky are typically longer than males.

While its attractive skin patterns and colours have made the Burmese python popular with the fashion industry and reptile keepers, they make unpredictable pets.

The python's seemingly docile nature conceals the snake's true power; Lucky would be capable of inflicting fierce bites or easily killing a human by constriction.

And another nice photo from UK Metro

http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11/sambathuonBM_450x470.jpg

I want a pet snake!!!!

******************
Work is hotting up with all the work required for the incoming government.

Emily is visiting tonight. I made a roast pork belly (marinated in a lemongrass/soy) and blanched broccolini and asparagus.

No comments: