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Baby Rhinoceros Rat Snakes go on display for the first time at Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm
For the first time visitors can see baby Rhinoceros Rat Snakes which have just hatched at Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm and are on display with their parents in Minibeast Metropolis. Along with the baby snakes, visitors can also see plenty of creepy crawlies and pumpkins during half term from 23 – 31 October including the Pumpkin Patch Spider. Originating from Colombia, the Spider’s name is derived from its distinctive, brightly coloured orange and yellow abdomen markings. Although small, this Spider has plenty of attitude!
Rhinoceros Rat Snakes, also known as Gonyosoma boulengeri, are native to Southern China & North Vietnam. At the Farm the hatchlings hatched on 29 August after incubating for 72 days whereas in the wild the female would sit on the eggs. To monitor their safe development the eggs were collected and placed in an incubator. When hatching the snake absorbs the egg yolk which sustains them until their first molt, after which they begin to feed. In the wild they eat small amphibians until they can take on larger prey like mice and birds. For their first 2 years they remain a silvery grey colour before turning into bright green adults.
A new space has been created for the birds that live at the Farm and several new Crested Pigeons will be released in time for Halloween. On 30 & 31 October staff will be dressing up in Halloween costumes and encouraging visitors to do the same. The walkway entrance will also feature lots of pumpkins and autumn leaves.
The Butterfly Farm has also recently achieved the 2021 TripAdvisor Traveller’s choice award. Each year, Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel website, pulls together all the reviews and ratings that travellers share from across the globe and uses that information to spotlight the best. Traveller’s Choice recognises businesses that earn consistently great user reviews and winners are ranked among the top 10% of businesses.
Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said “We are delighted to have a number of baby Rat Snakes which have
hatched for the first time at the Farm especially as they are very tricky to nurture. We also have plenty of scary insects on display which are safely behind glass. We hope our younger visitors get into the spirit of Halloween and come dressed up to help us celebrate the spookiest time of the year!”
Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is a COVID-19 Secure Environment with COVID-19 measures in place. Tickets must be booked online by visiting the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles, and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am - 5.30pm, last entry 5pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including admission prices and last entry times, please visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.