- Title: SRI LANKA: PYTHON
- Date: 23rd November 1996
- Summary: COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (RECENT) (RTV) -AUDIO AS INCOMING- 1. SCU/CU TWO-HEADED PYTHON ON A TABLE (3 SHOTS) 0.36 2. SCU DOCTOR NANDANA ATAPATTU, WILDLIFE DIRECTOR, SAYING HE CAN FEED USING BOTH MOUTHS BUT DIGESTION TAKES PLACE IN ONE PLACE. IT HAS A GOOD VISION FROM ALL FOUR EYES AND BOTH TONGUES ARE PERFECTLY NORMAL. HE PREFERS TO USE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS HEAD. BUT AT TIMES, HE USES LEFT SIDE AS WELL. WHEN IT MOVES, IT KEEPS THE LEFT HEAD ON TOP OF THE RIGHT HEAD (ENGLISH) 1.02 3. SCU/CU MAN HOLDING THE PYTHON (2 SHOTS) 1.16 Initials S2 P3 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
- Embargoed: 8th December 1996 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
- City:
- Country: Sri Lanka
- Reuters ID: LVA4UFQ76R1JTQ5DL8PWTR2KADRA
- Story Text: - INTRO: A snake with two minds of its own has been charming wildlife officials in Sri Lanka.
The two-headed python was plucked from its jungle home in southern Tissamaharama and brought to Colombo, where animal experts have been fascinated by its predicament.
The three-month-old snake has two functioning brains and eats with both mouths, but digestion takes place in its one stomach.
Wildlife director Doctor Nandana Atapattu said it was the first time such a snake had been discovered in Sri Lanka.
"He prefers to use the right side of his head. But at times, he uses left side as well. When it moves, it keeps the left head on top of the right head", he added.
The 10-and-a-half-inch-long reptile was lethargic when it was first discovered but has since become more active after a regime of vitamins, medication and forcefeeding.
The snake new home will be in Colombo's Zoological Gardens, where it will go on display.
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