Your chief reporter of the Colonial Post was most delighted to be invited to Kannur Snake Park; welcoming the arrival of its new King Cobra, Jasper.
The new tenant will be housed in the King Cobra block. His neighbour, Percy, has shown some interest in his arrival. Set among lush green foliage, the square concrete block provides excellent viewing facilities for the public via two large glass windows. Visitors can enjoy clear views of the cobras, as the park keepers have ensured there are no obstacles within the concrete block for Jasper to hide behind. It is delightful to witness prioritisation of the viewer's access to the superfluous recreation of the creature's habitat.
For the braver snake enthusiasts; an hourly snake show is provided. Jasper and a selection of his peers are presented in a steep walled turret. The selection of snakes are not kept at a distance for long. Each snake is lifted by his keeper on a metal hook and is paraded around the walled circle. Visitors of all ages may reach out and stroke the scales of cobras, pythons, and vipers. Old and young squealed alike at the rough sensation of stroking against the slippery grain. The carefree attitude of the keepers was absolutely splendid. In many other parks across the globe; viewers find themselves inhibited by over zealous attendants concerned with half baked theories that backwards stroking actually harms these mindless creatures. The snake park is proud to provide this experience to over 150 families every hour. However, nervous snake fans need not fear as the snake heads are kept well restricted within the metal hook.
For visitors impatient to visit the snake show, an excellent all day viewing facility is provided. Housed in two rows of compact square facilities are more pythons, sand snakes, tree snakes and vipers. The snake enclosures are slightly dark because of the concrete roof upon the facility. The helpful flash photography illuminates the square houses so that the snakes may be seen more clearly. The snakes themselves are very placid and show minimal resistance against posing for photographs. Just outside of the modern enclosure runs a path bordered by dense green foliage. The garden decor around the cages transports one to a lush tropical paradise. Altogether, the route through the cool concrete enclosure and sultry parkland makes for a magnificent walk.
The park is also proud to host an extensive range of reptilian and amphibian creatures for viewing. Particularly impressive was the exceptionally economic use of space; ensuring that the maximum number of animals can be displayed to delight the public. The terrapin cage homed five of the creatures in a 2 by 3 foot metal space; with a plastic bowl providing an excellent representation of their aquatic habitat. The shelled amphibians can be viewed from all angles through the metal bars at all hours of the day. One must observe that one terrapin seemed rather ungrateful with his water playground. He opted instead to spend the day motionless by the black bars.
A stroll between the tall, well kept coconut trees will take you to the white concrete dug outs which house the larger reptiles. Now, this humble reporter can assure you that the reptiles housed here can be monstrously dangerous to man if turned loose. The management have effectively negated this possibility by ensuring that the circular inside of the enclosure is completely smoothed concrete. The bars running across the top also guarantee that these beasts will stay captive. The reptile manager, Saresh, commented. "We are exceedingly proud to present so many reptiles to the public. Here we house fourteen crocodiles in a single space". On this particular day, only seven of the crocodiles were visible as the remainder sat beneath each other in the crescent shaped water pool. Visibility of the remaining crocs is maintained by positioning the home so that it is fully bathed in sun throughout the day. Luckily the enclosure can be paced around in a mere twelve steps. This makes for easy viewing of the creatures from all angles.
Next door, the alligators that strayed from the narrow water pool remained exceptionally sedate in the bvleached white space. One must take a moment to congratulate the park management on their excellent water conservation efforts. By keeping the water used to fill the reptillian pools to a minimum, the keepers have ensured that enough water is saved to guarantee each visitor at least two coffees. Also, I am sure that the creatures are far happier in their sutrap. In terms of viewing the animals; their dry brown skins certainly do stand in stark contrast to their monotoe surrounding. One of the nine alligators had recently had a brood. The small reptiles were displayed on the concrete lip between the painted base and the water segment of the enclosure. Asleep, the offspring appeared to bask in their shadeless home. The park keepers should be awarded for taming such a ferocious beast into calm docility.
For visitors less inclined to enjoy the amphibians and reptilians housed here; the park offers a range of cuddlier animals for contemplation. Love birds of blue, yellow and pink breast sidle next to each other in clear barred cages. This reporter does suspect that the snake park may have received some love birds that are unable to be homed elsewhere. The normally sweet birds had a certain madness to them, plucking at their own and each others feathers. Despite this, it was marvellous to see that the audience enjoyed the drama played out in the bird cage.
The park's management have also seen fit to capture some fine examples of the native white headed eagle. One has often found it cumbersome hiking through the region's forests on the chance that one may or may not see a white headed eagle. It is splendid to find that such fine examples have been captured. Thus viewing within the park may occur whenever one desires.
Also on display were two extraordinary porcupines. It is extraordinary to see such shy creatures displayed so clearly; another fine example of the management's ingenuity for bringing Kerala's native creatures to the audience. Today only one was in view as it was stood on top of the other! The upper porcupine appeared to be enjoying a game of 'peep a boo' with the park visitors. Nuzzling its head out of sight; it would flash its face upwards only when something was thrown into the cage - what fun!
Saresh led myslef and a family of nature enthusiasts to the recently opened cat enclosure, housed in a row of black barred cages. These squat spaces look minimalist modern against the backdrop of coconut trees, pond and grassland. The design is most contemporary - a nod to the British Industrial revolution one is sure. "Here we have managed to obtain from a bigger zoo; one jungle cat, two wild cats and a persian" Saresh informed. The persian peered glassy blue eyes between turrets of wild fur. It is a thoroughly fascinating zoological experiment to mix this domesticated animal with India's wildcats. Thepersian cat seems to have developed excellent survival mechanuisms; keeping still so as to cause little alarm to the wild ones next door. Saresh kindly informed me: "These cages are temporary cages, but they serve the cats well for the time they are here".
The snake park is proud to announce that the cat display will be available to the locals of Kannur for a further year.
The snake park is still enjoying an increased influx of visitors due to the recent opening of the macaque and owl enclosures. The short tailed macaques, close cousins of the breed that run wild around Kerala, are housed as an extended family in an intimate space. The contemporary minimalist theme was continued from the cat collection. "It is good to keep them together, macaques are very social animals" Saresh noted. The macaques are clearly social and considerate, spending their hours dangling from the tall door bars; static for visitors' snap shots. One must admit slight disappointment; as one had been led to believe that these creatures are excitable. Seeing them up s close was revelatory of their highly unassertive nature. One wonders how they survive at all in the wild as they appear to do nothing for themsleves. Frankly the capture of these creatures is a relief. Man has ensured their survival.
Adjacent to the macaque enclosure sits the new owl cage. The owls, saresh reports, "have been imported all the way from Europe through a private owner". It is with ease that the Keralan citizen can watch the birds, as the cage reaches the average man's height. Still as the night they fly in; the owls appear to be in awe at their new found surroundings. Perhaps once they have adjusted to their new home; they will be inclined to shuffle about. Nonetheless, one is sure they are relieved by the six month holiday their wings will be taking while they inhabit the cage.
Any individual wishing to make a donation to Kannur Snake Park charitable trust should contact the most generous Visha Chikista Kendra; the finance minister of Kerala and founder of the snake park.
The new tenant will be housed in the King Cobra block. His neighbour, Percy, has shown some interest in his arrival. Set among lush green foliage, the square concrete block provides excellent viewing facilities for the public via two large glass windows. Visitors can enjoy clear views of the cobras, as the park keepers have ensured there are no obstacles within the concrete block for Jasper to hide behind. It is delightful to witness prioritisation of the viewer's access to the superfluous recreation of the creature's habitat.
For the braver snake enthusiasts; an hourly snake show is provided. Jasper and a selection of his peers are presented in a steep walled turret. The selection of snakes are not kept at a distance for long. Each snake is lifted by his keeper on a metal hook and is paraded around the walled circle. Visitors of all ages may reach out and stroke the scales of cobras, pythons, and vipers. Old and young squealed alike at the rough sensation of stroking against the slippery grain. The carefree attitude of the keepers was absolutely splendid. In many other parks across the globe; viewers find themselves inhibited by over zealous attendants concerned with half baked theories that backwards stroking actually harms these mindless creatures. The snake park is proud to provide this experience to over 150 families every hour. However, nervous snake fans need not fear as the snake heads are kept well restricted within the metal hook.
For visitors impatient to visit the snake show, an excellent all day viewing facility is provided. Housed in two rows of compact square facilities are more pythons, sand snakes, tree snakes and vipers. The snake enclosures are slightly dark because of the concrete roof upon the facility. The helpful flash photography illuminates the square houses so that the snakes may be seen more clearly. The snakes themselves are very placid and show minimal resistance against posing for photographs. Just outside of the modern enclosure runs a path bordered by dense green foliage. The garden decor around the cages transports one to a lush tropical paradise. Altogether, the route through the cool concrete enclosure and sultry parkland makes for a magnificent walk.
The park is also proud to host an extensive range of reptilian and amphibian creatures for viewing. Particularly impressive was the exceptionally economic use of space; ensuring that the maximum number of animals can be displayed to delight the public. The terrapin cage homed five of the creatures in a 2 by 3 foot metal space; with a plastic bowl providing an excellent representation of their aquatic habitat. The shelled amphibians can be viewed from all angles through the metal bars at all hours of the day. One must observe that one terrapin seemed rather ungrateful with his water playground. He opted instead to spend the day motionless by the black bars.
A stroll between the tall, well kept coconut trees will take you to the white concrete dug outs which house the larger reptiles. Now, this humble reporter can assure you that the reptiles housed here can be monstrously dangerous to man if turned loose. The management have effectively negated this possibility by ensuring that the circular inside of the enclosure is completely smoothed concrete. The bars running across the top also guarantee that these beasts will stay captive. The reptile manager, Saresh, commented. "We are exceedingly proud to present so many reptiles to the public. Here we house fourteen crocodiles in a single space". On this particular day, only seven of the crocodiles were visible as the remainder sat beneath each other in the crescent shaped water pool. Visibility of the remaining crocs is maintained by positioning the home so that it is fully bathed in sun throughout the day. Luckily the enclosure can be paced around in a mere twelve steps. This makes for easy viewing of the creatures from all angles.
Next door, the alligators that strayed from the narrow water pool remained exceptionally sedate in the bvleached white space. One must take a moment to congratulate the park management on their excellent water conservation efforts. By keeping the water used to fill the reptillian pools to a minimum, the keepers have ensured that enough water is saved to guarantee each visitor at least two coffees. Also, I am sure that the creatures are far happier in their sutrap. In terms of viewing the animals; their dry brown skins certainly do stand in stark contrast to their monotoe surrounding. One of the nine alligators had recently had a brood. The small reptiles were displayed on the concrete lip between the painted base and the water segment of the enclosure. Asleep, the offspring appeared to bask in their shadeless home. The park keepers should be awarded for taming such a ferocious beast into calm docility.
For visitors less inclined to enjoy the amphibians and reptilians housed here; the park offers a range of cuddlier animals for contemplation. Love birds of blue, yellow and pink breast sidle next to each other in clear barred cages. This reporter does suspect that the snake park may have received some love birds that are unable to be homed elsewhere. The normally sweet birds had a certain madness to them, plucking at their own and each others feathers. Despite this, it was marvellous to see that the audience enjoyed the drama played out in the bird cage.
The park's management have also seen fit to capture some fine examples of the native white headed eagle. One has often found it cumbersome hiking through the region's forests on the chance that one may or may not see a white headed eagle. It is splendid to find that such fine examples have been captured. Thus viewing within the park may occur whenever one desires.
Also on display were two extraordinary porcupines. It is extraordinary to see such shy creatures displayed so clearly; another fine example of the management's ingenuity for bringing Kerala's native creatures to the audience. Today only one was in view as it was stood on top of the other! The upper porcupine appeared to be enjoying a game of 'peep a boo' with the park visitors. Nuzzling its head out of sight; it would flash its face upwards only when something was thrown into the cage - what fun!
Saresh led myslef and a family of nature enthusiasts to the recently opened cat enclosure, housed in a row of black barred cages. These squat spaces look minimalist modern against the backdrop of coconut trees, pond and grassland. The design is most contemporary - a nod to the British Industrial revolution one is sure. "Here we have managed to obtain from a bigger zoo; one jungle cat, two wild cats and a persian" Saresh informed. The persian peered glassy blue eyes between turrets of wild fur. It is a thoroughly fascinating zoological experiment to mix this domesticated animal with India's wildcats. Thepersian cat seems to have developed excellent survival mechanuisms; keeping still so as to cause little alarm to the wild ones next door. Saresh kindly informed me: "These cages are temporary cages, but they serve the cats well for the time they are here".
The snake park is proud to announce that the cat display will be available to the locals of Kannur for a further year.
The snake park is still enjoying an increased influx of visitors due to the recent opening of the macaque and owl enclosures. The short tailed macaques, close cousins of the breed that run wild around Kerala, are housed as an extended family in an intimate space. The contemporary minimalist theme was continued from the cat collection. "It is good to keep them together, macaques are very social animals" Saresh noted. The macaques are clearly social and considerate, spending their hours dangling from the tall door bars; static for visitors' snap shots. One must admit slight disappointment; as one had been led to believe that these creatures are excitable. Seeing them up s close was revelatory of their highly unassertive nature. One wonders how they survive at all in the wild as they appear to do nothing for themsleves. Frankly the capture of these creatures is a relief. Man has ensured their survival.
Adjacent to the macaque enclosure sits the new owl cage. The owls, saresh reports, "have been imported all the way from Europe through a private owner". It is with ease that the Keralan citizen can watch the birds, as the cage reaches the average man's height. Still as the night they fly in; the owls appear to be in awe at their new found surroundings. Perhaps once they have adjusted to their new home; they will be inclined to shuffle about. Nonetheless, one is sure they are relieved by the six month holiday their wings will be taking while they inhabit the cage.
Any individual wishing to make a donation to Kannur Snake Park charitable trust should contact the most generous Visha Chikista Kendra; the finance minister of Kerala and founder of the snake park.
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