The Boonshoft Museum is happy to announce the acquisition of a new red-tailed boa constrictor for the Discovery Zoo. Red-tailed boas are found from Mexico to Argentina, and while many snakes are constrictors, red-tailed boas are the true boa constrictors.
The female boa constrictor was introduced to the public on Saturday, February 16. She has been in quarantine since arrival to safely acclimate her to the new environment. Our new resident weighs in at 10 lbs. and is 4 ½ feet long. Red-tailed-boas can grow to 10 feet and 50 lbs.
“The Boonshoft Museum has a long history of animal education and conservation, and we are so excited to continue that with our newest zoo resident,” notes Stephanie Hylinski, Curator, Live Animals. “Not only do they make a BIG impression, but larger snakes like our new red-tailed boa can help us teach visitors about snake biology, as well as the crucial role snakes play in their local ecosystem.”
Boa constrictors, like all snakes, are carnivores. A recent study in 2015 has found that once they catch their prey, they coil around them, squeezing so hard that it restricts the flow of blood to the heart. They generally eat any mammal or bird they can catch.
We are inviting our members/guests to help choose a name for our new boa constrictor by voting either online or in person during the first 2 weeks of her stay in her new habitat.
Located at 2600 DeWeese Parkway, the Boonshoft Museum is open to the public 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 12 noon-5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $14.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors (60+), and $11.50 for children (3-17). Children under 3 and members are free. (937) 275-7431. BoonshoftMuseum.org.
