Vets at Zoo Atlanta inseminate snake

ATLANTA, GA, United States (UPI) -- Veterinarians at Zoo Atlanta have performed what is believed to be the first artificial insemination of a snake.

The zoo was hoping that two eastern indigo snakes would reproduce by doing what comes naturally. But Blu, who was born at the zoo in 1988, just did not have what it takes to make partner, a snake on loan from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, a mom.

Blu also suffers from a low sperm count.

The unnamed female was anaesthetized during the insemination, stretched out to her full 6 feet 2 inches on a gurney. Veterinarians say they will not know for about two months if the procedure took and she is indeed expecting.

Eastern indigo snakes are a non-venomous species and the longest snake in North America. In earlier days, the snakes were popular with carnival snake charmers.

Their numbers have been reduced because of habitat loss and the snake`s own slow movements.

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I'm pretty sure I saw someplace that handling and other stressors lowered sperm counts in male snakes...I wonder if they had the sense to take ol Blu off active duty on the zoo's PR/education circuit? Then again, he is getting up there...almost 18 yrs old, that's like 90 in dog years

This will be interesting to follow and see if the procedure actually works and she does become pregnant. Please post any results you find out about this Clay.