Health Problem Keeps Two-Headed Snake from Heading to Kansas City

Published on March 16, 2024, an unusual health problem has stalled the travel plans of a unique two-headed snake named Tiger-Lily. Under normal circumstances, this remarkable reptile would soon be making her way from her current residence at the Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood to the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City. Unfortunately, veterinary complications have temporarily kept her grounded.

A Unique Case of Ovarian Stasis in a Two-Headed Snake

Lauren Baker, Missouri Department of Conservation Naturalist, revealed that Tiger-Lily’s repositioning was postponed due to signs of minute amounts of blood sneezed out during a feeding. Following the grim incident, veterinarians from the St. Louis Zoo carried out an immediate medical investigation. The result: pre-ovulatory stasis, a unique health condition impacting the snake’s ovarian reproductive system.

“Under normal circumstances, the ovary would grow follicles, then ovulate them as eggs to eventually be laid. In Tiger-Lily’s case, she began the reproductive cycle, but the follicles did not ovulate and instead continued to grow and remain static in her ovary. Over time this led to inflammation and the risk of infection,” said Dr. Michael Warshaw, a Staff Veterinarian at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Following the diagnosis, Tiger-Lily has successfully undergone minor surgery to remove her infirm ovaries. To ensure a full recovery, her transfer to Kansas City has to be postponed for a month, until she is robust enough to handle the commute.

A Brief History of Tiger-Lily the Two-Headed Snake

Tiger-Lily’s case is indeed unique. Found in 2017 by a kind Stone County family, the western rat snake pair of conjoined identical twins was given the creative moniker Tiger-Lily. The anomaly of the conjoined twins never fully separating is quite a medical marvel and an overall unusual occurrence in nature.

Following her recent health ordeal, Tiger-Lily is to tour statewide Missouri Department of Conservation sites. Her domicile at Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center near Branson remains shut due to construction.

Staying Up-to-Date with Tiger-Lily’s Journey

Despite the recent health hiccup, Tiger-Lily is anticipated to make a full recovery and will be resuming her tour as planned. While she takes her much-needed rest, the public await her eventual display with bated breath. Updates on her journey will be made available, ensuring that the public can follow along with the captivating story of Tiger-Lily, the magnificent two-headed snake.

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