A colossal snake that has recently claimed an impressive world record is approximately the same length as a football goal. An extraordinary female python discovered on the volcanic island of Sulawesi in Indonesia has been entered into the Guinness World Records as the longest wild snake, stretching to at least an incredible 7.22m (23ft 8in).
Officially recognised by the esteemed organisation on Wednesday, 4 February, the serpent, known as « Ibu Baron » or « The Baroness », is roughly as long as a 7.32m football goal (measured post to post) or six and a half shopping trolleys. However, it could potentially be larger than initially thought, as Guinness World Records noted that the measurement wasn’t taken whilst the creature was under anaesthesia. Sedating the animal in this way would only be carried out for safety purposes or medical reasons, but had it been anaesthetised, Guinness World Records indicated it could be even longer.
On its website, it stated: « Under anaesthesia, when snakes’ bodies fully relax, she could be at least 10% longer – so in reality her true length is likely nearer 7.9 m (26 ft).
« But owing to the inherent risks of anaesthetic, GWR believes that animals should only ever be ‘put under’ for safety reasons or necessary medical procedures, so this has not been put to the test. »
Now under the care of conservationist Budi Purwanto, The Baroness was first examined by wildlife guide Diaz Nugraha, from Kalimantan, Borneo, and explorer Radu Frentiu, who remarked how each « coil of muscle is a powerhouse ».
Radu stated: « So it’s the power of such a snake that silently impresses you the most, along with its ability to expand when swallowing enormous prey, right up to the size of a cow, which is virtually impossible for most people to comprehend. »
In other record-breaking news, a canine blood-donor that reportedly saved more than 168 others reached the finals of the yearly Hero Dog Awards last year.
Sharwood, a then-eight-year-old Gordon setter, gave donations weighing in at 22.5kg to the Pet Blood Bank to help ill or injured pets.
Owner Sue Mitchell, from Eaton Bray in Bedfordshire, disclosed that she initially brought her pet to donate blood when he was 13-months-old.
She commented: « I thought it was really important because you never know when your dog may possibly need to have a transfusion. If you have a suitable dog, it is well worth it. »
Amongst the dogs that benefited from the donations was Sizzle, a Dachshund suffering from haemophilia and Von Willebrand disease.
Owner Emma Gray remarked: « No words can express the relief an owner feels being told there are vital blood products available.
« Without Sharwood and his lovely owner Sue, our dog Sizzle would simply not be here today. »
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