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Omahaâs Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium made history with first-time birth of four endangered eastern indigo snakes
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Updated: 5:28 PM CDT Jul 16, 2021
Keegan Cooper
four endangered eastern indigo snakes
SOURCE: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
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Omahaâs Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium made history with first-time birth of four endangered eastern indigo snakes
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Updated: 5:28 PM CDT Jul 16, 2021
Keegan Cooper
Digital Editor
Omahaâs Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium made history on Wednesday and Thursday with the Zooâs first-time birth of four endangered eastern indigo snakes. The zoo said the eggs were laid on April 14, with the first one pipping on July 13, emerging just in time for World Snake Day, which is today. Zoo officials said once the snakes are able to feed on their own, they will be moved to a habitat in the Desert Domeâs Sunroom. Officials said zoo visitors can see the sire of the offspring in the swamp area of Mahoneyâs Kingdoms of the Night. Officials said they get their names from the glossy bluish-black scales, are considered the largest non-venomous snake in the country and can reach up to 8 and a half feet in length.Zoo officials said adult females' breeding time is October through February and they lay a single group of anywhere from 4 to 12 eggs from April to July. They rely on gopher tortoise burrows as nesting sites and to seek shelter.The zoo has been a member of the program since 2002, and in the same year, the zoo acquired its first eastern indigo. Zoo Officials said in 2010 the eastern indigos' habitat was upgraded to increase their breeding success.The eastern indigo is a federally threatened species and is protected under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.