Deadly Bites, Heroic Rescues: How Zoos Protect Venomous Snake Owners
America's zookeepers and their stockpiles of rare antivenom are the last line of defense for reckless snake owners bitten by their deadly pets.
Owning a venomous snake may seem like the ultimate exotic pet, but for many thrill-seekers, their lethal reptiles quickly become a life-or-death liability. When these snake owners inevitably get bitten, their only hope of survival often lies with the quick thinking and well-stocked antivenom supplies of America's zookeepers.
Exotic pet ownership has soared in recent decades, driven by a growing demand for dangerous animals that offer an adrenaline rush. But as more people acquire venomous snakes on a whim, the number of snake bite victims requiring emergency care has skyrocketed. Without access to specialized antivenom, a single bite from a deadly serpent can be fatal within hours.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Fortunately, the country's zoos have become the last line of defense for these snake owners. Zoos are required to maintain extensive stockpiles of rare antivenoms for the venomous species in their own collections. When a desperate bite victim calls for help, zookeepers can often rush life-saving treatment to the hospital, buying the patient crucial time.
Source: Wired
