A non-venomous, two-headed snake named Tiger-Lily, a rare western rat snake, was set to leave the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Nature Center on March 18 but had to undergo major surgery after an emerging health condition was discovered. During a feeding, a staff member noticed traces of blood after Tiger-Lily sneezed, prompting a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo for evaluation. It was found that the snake had an abnormality in her ovaries, which could lead to inflammation and infection over time, necessitating surgical removal.
Tiger-Lily underwent successful surgery at the Saint Louis Zoo’s Endangered Species Research Center and Veterinary Hospital on March 11 to remove the abnormal ovaries. The reptile has been recovering since the procedure, causing a delay in her planned statewide tour. It is expected that her recovery will take about a month before she can resume her journey, visiting the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City. The collaboration between the Saint Louis Zoo and the MDC has been crucial in providing expert care for the unique reptile.
The discovery of Tiger-Lily dates back to 2017 when she was found in Stone County by a family who named her. It was revealed that Tiger-Lily was actually a pair of conjoined identical snake twins that were never fully separated. Such two-headed snakes are rarely seen in the wild due to their low survival rate. The MDC expressed appreciation for the Saint Louis Zoo’s quick response and treatment, ensuring that Tiger-Lily receives the necessary care for her recovery.
The Saint Louis Zoo’s veterinary team determined that removing the abnormal ovaries was the best course of action to preserve Tiger-Lily’s health. Dr. Michael Warshaw, staff veterinarian at the Saint Louis Zoo, explained that the reproductive cycle of the snake had been disrupted, leading to the decision for surgical intervention. After the successful procedure, Tiger-Lily is now in the process of recuperation under the care of veterinarians before resuming her statewide journey.
The postponement of Tiger-Lily’s tour has allowed for her recovery and monitoring following the surgery. The MDC and the Saint Louis Zoo have a history of collaboration in caring for Missouri’s native wildlife, with Tiger-Lily being a unique case that required specialized attention. The reptile’s progress is being closely monitored to ensure a safe and speedy recovery so that she can continue her visit to different sites across the state. The care and treatment of Tiger-Lily highlight the importance of conservation efforts and wildlife preservation partnerships.
Despite the challenges faced by Tiger-Lily due to her rare condition, the collaborative efforts between the Saint Louis Zoo and the MDC have ensured her well-being. The successful surgery to remove her abnormal ovaries has set her on the path to recovery, with plans to resume her statewide tour once she has regained her strength. The story of Tiger-Lily serves as a reminder of the resilience of wildlife and the dedication of conservation organizations to safeguard unique and endangered species, ensuring their survival and well-being.
