Snakes microchipped to comply with new permit requirements
Last week, staff at the Pietersburg Vet were visited by two albino Burmese pythons that were part of a den of 13 snakes that needed to be microchipped.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane Observer visited Zanna Bird & Snake Park, the home of the snakes, to find out more about the reason behind this decision.
Manager Bruno Zanna explained that the new alien invasive species permit requirements stipulate the need of microchips in certain species of snakes. “If we want to showcase these snakes, we need a permit and to get a permit, we need to microchip the snakes. The snakes that needed to be chipped are the red tail boa constrictors, the Burmese pythons and one iguana.”
Sister Arona Cremona explained more about microchipping.
“It is very important to mention that the chip is not a tracking device. A microchip is a small barcoded chip, a bit smaller than a rice grain, that is injected subcutaneously with a needle and applicator.”
A microchip is an extra way of identifying your pet and permanently connecting your details to your pet. Subcutaneous injection means it is normally injected in the loose skin of the neck and it is normally painless.
Microchipping is done at the vet’s practice and performed by a veterinarian.
The details will be saved on a global database. The chip number will be on the vet’s system for when the pet is found and brought to the clinic.
“Pets of any ages can be chipped, but this is normally with first vaccination, or when the animal is six weeks old. It is also very important to know this chip will not make your dog faster, like when you chip your car. We get some requests like this.”
Zanna is also the home of two new golden hand tamarin monkeys. These two found their home in a newly upgraded enclosure at the park.
Also read: How to recognise Limpopo’s most dangerous snakes
