City of Portsmouth College rattled as Ronaldo the snake strikes again!

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice – but it has at the animal management centre at City of Portsmouth College (COPC). Ronaldo, our Rainbow Boa snake, has given birth AGAIN in what’s believed to be a world first!

Ronaldo hit the headlines two years ago when she unexpectedly gave birth to 14 snakes – without the contribution of a mate. This time, and again without mating, she’s given birth to a further 12 babies. Ronaldo is now resting and recovering alongside her brood.

The rare phenomenon of parthenogenesis has been documented only three times for a captive Brazilian Rainbow Boa anywhere in the world. But for it to happen twice with the same snake, is unheard of.

“I’ve done as much research as I can and I can’t find any record of it happening twice,” said Pete Quinlan, animal care technician at COPC. “I had my suspicions for a couple of weeks and then suddenly she was showing all the signs.”

Signs of pregnancy in snakes include nesting behaviours, excess skin shedding, going off food and stretching across the scales – all indicators that Ronaldo showed. Pete’s only concern was her weight, which she hadn’t fully regained before this pregnancy.

In the lead-up to the birth, she was kept in a quiet vivarium away from students, who performed observations instead. They’re now learning all about how to rear baby snakes, with this second special litter.

And for Ronaldo, who turns 14 this summer, this incredible gift of an experience will likely be her final one to COPC.

“She was mine for nine years before she came here,” said Pete. “And it’s almost time for her to retire and come back to me. She’s clearly had a great time at COPC – for parthenogenesis to happen, the conditions have to be perfect. Which I think is a great testament to the facilities we have here.”