Red-tailed boa constrictors, a ball python and more stolen from Southwest Fla. park
It takes a special type of person to steal an animal, especially one that can grow up to 13 feet and has fangs. But that’s exactly what happened at a Southwest Florida animal park.
Two red-tail boa constrictors, two Russian tortoises and a ball python were swiped from the Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The theft occurred some time between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning.
Among the reptiles taken was Hera, an albino red-tailed boa that Wonder Gardens curator Leslie Stout described as “the main snake used for education.”
Hera “has been at every event, Enchanted and all of the local educational outreach,” Stout told the Fort Myers News-Press. “Hera is friendly and good-natured. She was our most popular animal ambassador.”
A curator discovered the animals were missing Wednesday morning while doing her daily rounds, according to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. She found a broken lock close to the green iguana enclosure and several more nearby.
Deputies estimated the combined value of the animals — all of whom were rescued, the News-Press reported — at about $1,500.
Anyone with information is advised to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477) or online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. Tippers will be anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
