Clay Davenport
09-09-2003, 12:09 AM
Python reaches destination
Friday, September 05, 2003
By SEAN C. McCULLEN
Staff Writer
BRIDGETON -- The county's -- and arguably the country's -- most famous python is now home safe and sound.
The owners of the 7-foot-long Burmese python, which drew nationwide media attention after a UPS deliveryman discovered the large snake was slithering loose in the rear of his truck here Wednesday, picked it up from the Cohanzick Zoo Thursday afternoon.
The python was given its new name -- ChewBoxa -- courtesy of its unusual, and some would say inhumane, shipping experience.
Tina Gettings, 22, and Chris Altizer, 24, both of Fayette Street, found it comical that city animal control officer Bill Knipe told the News the python had chewed its way out of the box in which a New Mexico man had overnight mailed it.
"Pythons don't chew. He pushed his way out of the box. Pythons are like Houdini -- if they find a weakness, they'll find a way to get out," Altizer said.
Nathan Thaye, of Las Cruces, N.M., overnight mailed the python to Altizer Tuesday after the two had reached an agreement on the Internet two weeks ago.
Altizer was to breed the python with his 2-year-old albino python, and then send some of the offspring back to New Mexico in exchange.
The problem was the 1- to 2-year-old python was sent in a small cardboard box without proper ventilation. Adding to the confusion of the situation, UPS policies prevent customers from shipping most animals, a spokesman said.
Altizer was relieved he was able to pick up the Burmese python from the Cohanzick Zoo, where it was being held until authorities figured out how to handle the situation.
"I'm happy that I've got (the snake) back. But I'm angry about the fines and about the way he shipped (it)," Altizer said.
Altizer is facing fines up to $5,000 for failing to obtain permits to own regulated species, according to Mark Leonard of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
In the interest of protecting indigenous New Jersey wildlife, as well as residents, the state requires permits for any exotic pets, Leonard said.
Leonard, who visited Gettings' and Altizer's home, said it was a no-brainer to allow them to pick up their python.
"He seems quite knowledgeable. I don't think he'll have any problems taking care of (it). And all of the other animals seemed healthy and well-maintained," he said.
Altizer called Thaye Thursday afternoon.
According to Altizer, Thaye was apologetic for sending ChewBoxa in the small box and creating the unwanted attention from wildlife authorities.
"If he would have shipped it properly, we would not have had any problems," Altizer said, referring to the fines he is now facing.
Gettings noted the couple was in the process of obtaining permits from the state for their albino python, as well as two red-tailed, Colombian boa constrictors, two geckoes and a Savannah monitor.
When asked if he thought Thaye should be charged for improperly shipping the python, Altizer said: "Go for it! If I'm going to get some fines because this guy is going to screw up, then yeah, I think he should get fined."
Bev Greco, shelter manager with the Cumberland County SPCA, said local officials have contacted the national SPCA about notifying authorities in New Mexico. She expects the information will be forwarded today.
Greco said she could not believe the story when she first heard it.
"I'm flabbergasted by it. I can't believe that anyone would try to ship any living animal in the manner that this gentleman did, but especially one that could present a danger to the public," Greco said.
"I really can't believe the snake survived," she added, noting a Burmese python must be kept in warm areas.
Altizer was shocked to learn the python was OK, too.
"I was extremely agitated by the fact that (it) could have been in shipping and could have been dead or dying," he said.
In spite of the fact that ChewBoxa could grow to be 20 feet long, Altizer said his neighbors are fine with him owning three snakes and several lizards.
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http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/local/index.ssf?/base/news-5/106276471241770.xml
Friday, September 05, 2003
By SEAN C. McCULLEN
Staff Writer
BRIDGETON -- The county's -- and arguably the country's -- most famous python is now home safe and sound.
The owners of the 7-foot-long Burmese python, which drew nationwide media attention after a UPS deliveryman discovered the large snake was slithering loose in the rear of his truck here Wednesday, picked it up from the Cohanzick Zoo Thursday afternoon.
The python was given its new name -- ChewBoxa -- courtesy of its unusual, and some would say inhumane, shipping experience.
Tina Gettings, 22, and Chris Altizer, 24, both of Fayette Street, found it comical that city animal control officer Bill Knipe told the News the python had chewed its way out of the box in which a New Mexico man had overnight mailed it.
"Pythons don't chew. He pushed his way out of the box. Pythons are like Houdini -- if they find a weakness, they'll find a way to get out," Altizer said.
Nathan Thaye, of Las Cruces, N.M., overnight mailed the python to Altizer Tuesday after the two had reached an agreement on the Internet two weeks ago.
Altizer was to breed the python with his 2-year-old albino python, and then send some of the offspring back to New Mexico in exchange.
The problem was the 1- to 2-year-old python was sent in a small cardboard box without proper ventilation. Adding to the confusion of the situation, UPS policies prevent customers from shipping most animals, a spokesman said.
Altizer was relieved he was able to pick up the Burmese python from the Cohanzick Zoo, where it was being held until authorities figured out how to handle the situation.
"I'm happy that I've got (the snake) back. But I'm angry about the fines and about the way he shipped (it)," Altizer said.
Altizer is facing fines up to $5,000 for failing to obtain permits to own regulated species, according to Mark Leonard of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
In the interest of protecting indigenous New Jersey wildlife, as well as residents, the state requires permits for any exotic pets, Leonard said.
Leonard, who visited Gettings' and Altizer's home, said it was a no-brainer to allow them to pick up their python.
"He seems quite knowledgeable. I don't think he'll have any problems taking care of (it). And all of the other animals seemed healthy and well-maintained," he said.
Altizer called Thaye Thursday afternoon.
According to Altizer, Thaye was apologetic for sending ChewBoxa in the small box and creating the unwanted attention from wildlife authorities.
"If he would have shipped it properly, we would not have had any problems," Altizer said, referring to the fines he is now facing.
Gettings noted the couple was in the process of obtaining permits from the state for their albino python, as well as two red-tailed, Colombian boa constrictors, two geckoes and a Savannah monitor.
When asked if he thought Thaye should be charged for improperly shipping the python, Altizer said: "Go for it! If I'm going to get some fines because this guy is going to screw up, then yeah, I think he should get fined."
Bev Greco, shelter manager with the Cumberland County SPCA, said local officials have contacted the national SPCA about notifying authorities in New Mexico. She expects the information will be forwarded today.
Greco said she could not believe the story when she first heard it.
"I'm flabbergasted by it. I can't believe that anyone would try to ship any living animal in the manner that this gentleman did, but especially one that could present a danger to the public," Greco said.
"I really can't believe the snake survived," she added, noting a Burmese python must be kept in warm areas.
Altizer was shocked to learn the python was OK, too.
"I was extremely agitated by the fact that (it) could have been in shipping and could have been dead or dying," he said.
In spite of the fact that ChewBoxa could grow to be 20 feet long, Altizer said his neighbors are fine with him owning three snakes and several lizards.
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http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/local/index.ssf?/base/news-5/106276471241770.xml