Exam goes smoothly for green anaconda
Tuesday November 21, 2017
Tom Riddle, a green anaconda that resides in the Tropical Forest at Franklin Park Zoo, underwent a routine medical examination on Nov. 21, 2017.
In order to safely conduct the exam, the snake was put under anesthesia. The exam included a general physical examination, blood work, X-rays, an ultrasound, weight and length measurements. Staff was also able to listen to his heart and monitor him under anesthesia using a Doppler monitoring system.
Tom Riddle measures 12 feet, 7 inches long and weighs 52.6 pounds. His X-rays and ultrasound were normal, and his physical exam showed that he is currently in good health. The exam required a lot of coordination between the Animal Care and Animal Health departments, and the procedure went smoothly for all involved, including Tom Riddle.
The anaconda can be seen back on exhibit inside the Tropical Forest.