KFBG staff chip the 4.89 m python
The longest python ever recorded in Hong Kong was released back to its original habitat in Sai Kung on Tuesday (30/8). The female Burmese python with a total length of 4.89 metres and a weight of 32 kg is the longest recorded python since the Burmese python conservation programme was launched in 2011. The python was found in Sai Kung last Friday (27/8). The female’s skin was noticeably sagging, indicating that she had recently lost weight, presumably caused by laying eggs just before her capture.
After Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden recorded and chipped it, it was taken back on the same day, far from the place where it was found. The previous record for the longest python also came from Sai Kung and was sent to the Wildlife Rescue Centre at KFBG in July 2020.
Kadoorie Farm pointed out that Burmese pythons are a native species protected by law in Hong Kong. Although they are huge in size, they can coexist peacefully with the public, rarely have accidents, and can control the number of rodents and wild boars. They are the only remaining top predators in Hong Kong, so important role in the ecosystem. Kadoorie Farm also reminded that pythons have been found to hunt people’s pets as wild animals in the past, and urged the public to take proper care of their pets if they live in the city or take pets for outings
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