Ronaldo : “Boa Snake Surprises Experts with Birth of 14 Babies”

Michael Crichton’s iconic character from Jurassic Park once famously said, “Life always finds a way.” This statement couldn’t be more accurate in the case of Ronaldo, a Brazilian rainbow boa who defied all odds by giving birth to 14 snakelets without a mate, and surprisingly, despite being classified as a male. The extraordinary “miracle birth” took place on June 21st, 2024, at City of Portsmouth College, leaving experts and onlookers in awe of nature’s wonders. This unique event has been attributed to two intersecting phenomena – a misidentification of Ronaldo’s gender during a post-rescue examination and the rare occurrence of asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis, making it only the third documented case among captive rainbow boas worldwide.

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The Remarkable Birth

The unexpected discovery of the baby snakes alongside Ronaldo in her vivarium habitat by a vigilant student last Friday led to a series of bewildering revelations. Peter Quinlan, the dedicated Animal Care Technician at the college, was called in to unravel the mystery. Having cared for Ronaldo for nine years since her adoption from the RSPCA, Quinlan initially accepted the veterinarian’s assessment of Ronaldo’s gender without question, as breeding was never part of the plan.

Since 2015, Ronaldo has been isolated from other snakes, making the sight of 14 snakelets a truly surprising development for Quinlan and the college community. Prior to this miraculous event, the snake’s weight gain had been attributed to overeating. The occurrence of parthenogenesis, also known as a “virgin birth,” was an unprecedented phenomenon for Quinlan, who has decades of experience working with snakes.

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Other Instances of Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis, a natural process of embryo development without fertilization, is more common in plants, insects, fish, and some invertebrates, but rare in larger animals. The case of Ronaldo marks only the third recorded instance of asexual reproduction among captive Brazilian rainbow boas. Previous cases include a female boa giving birth to 22 offspring over two years and another female producing offspring despite her male companion being vasectomized.

While interspecies parthenogenesis is uncommon, notable cases include a stingray initially reported as pregnant but later diagnosed with ovarian cysts, and a captive American crocodile laying eggs after 16 years of isolation, none of which were viable. In 2019, a green anaconda at the New England Aquarium in Boston gave birth, with some offspring surviving despite challenges.

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Future for the Baby Boas

Ronaldo’s successful asexual reproduction and the healthy appearance of her 14 snakelets have prompted the team at City of Portsmouth College to create individual habitats for each snake, expanding opportunities for students and staff. The baby snakes are currently feeding on nutrients from their mother, with plans to introduce them to their first meal of mice after shedding. The college aims to find suitable homes for the snakes while retaining a few for educational purposes.

Identifying the sex of the baby boas, including some displaying the rare Anerythristic Colour Mutation, adds another layer of complexity to their care. These unique genetic traits make each snakelet distinct despite being clones of Ronaldo, contributing to their individuality.

Concluding Thoughts

Ronaldo’s exceptional case of parthenogenesis serves as a reminder of nature’s fascinating adaptability and resilience. As the team at City of Portsmouth College continues to study this rare phenomenon through the thriving boa family, more insights into asexual reproduction in snakes are expected to emerge. The future holds promise for further discoveries and understanding of these extraordinary events in the animal kingdom.