PDA: Snakes at Pilikula Biological Park safe

Mangaluru: Snakes in the enclosures of the biological park at Pilikula are safe, stated the Pilikula Development Authority (PDA). This clarification follows, after a video of an army of ants biting a snake at an enclosure at the park, went viral.
“It was brought to our notice that a video of an army of ants biting a snake at an enclosure in the park has gone viral. Soon after receiving the information, the commissioner of the authority, along with the senior scientific officer, veterinarian and biologist, visited the spot. The veterinarian has certified that the health of the snake, which was attacked by the ants, is stable. The commissioner has directed the director of the biological park to serve show cause notices on caretakers of the snakes, for the lapse,” the PDA stated in a release.
The authority convened a special meeting involving officials, including the director, senior scientific officer and veterinarian, to discuss precautions, and thereby prevent such instances. The meeting also resolved that the health status of the snake that was attacked by the ants should be checked at an interval of two hours, and reports should be given to the commissioner.
Further, additional CCTV cameras will be installed inside the biological park for 24x7 surveillance. The security staff have been directed to prevent visitors from bringing food near the enclosures of snakes. They also have been directed to ensure cleanliness near the premises of snake enclosures.
The authority commissioner has directed that awareness should be created by putting up notice boards, preventing visitors from throwing food packets and plastic bottles inside the biological park, the release stated.