Two-headed snake on road sign, pointing to Kansas City.
Thriving in the safety of captivity and sparking interest nationwide, Tiger-Lily, a unique two-headed western rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus), prepares to make its next stop in Kansas City. This uncommon reptile, hailed from Stone County, has been on a statewide showcase, attracting crowds to marvel at its rarity.
Currently, residing at the Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirksville since January 23, Tiger-Lily has gained an audience of almost 10,000 visitors, according to Interim Nature Center Manager, Robyn Parker. March 18 marks the day when the mesmerizing serpent will be moving to the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City.
The existence of conjoined snake twins like Tiger-Lily is a seldom occurrence in nature. A snake birth like this is accompanied by a relatively low rate of survival in the wild. It is believed that the snake was given the name Tiger-Lily by the family who discovered it in 2017. The two-headed serpent was then kindly donated to the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center where it has been nurtured and preserved for public display.
Alison Bleich, the Interpretive Center Manager, explained the challenges they confront during feeding time. “Both heads want to eat, but they only have one esophagus. A small cup placed over one head allows the other to eat, and then switched. If not for this, both would tussle over the same mouse.”
If it were in the wild, Tiger-Lily would face overwhelming vulnerabilities against predators and would have no access to the common avenues of escape into holes and crevices like its one-headed counterparts. However, in a captive environment, Tiger-Lily’s survival chances improve significantly.
Prior to heading for Kansas City, the public is encouraged to meet Tiger-Lily at the Powder Valley Nature Center, where a range of other captive animals such as venomous and non-venomous snakes, turtles, and fish are also on display. Another remarkable two-headed western rat snake found in 2005, resides at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in southeast Missouri.
The forthcoming display at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City marks another exciting chapter for Tiger-Lily’s admirers and the inquisitive public. With the move, an awe-inspiring marvel of nature continues to captivate hearts and stimulate wonder in the biodiversity of our world.
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