If there is one matter masses do n’t add up to menagerie to see , it is soft Snake and sofa Irish potato lizard . Melbourne Zoo has found a way to keep its reptiles buff with the creation of a water gym they remember is the first in the world . The substantial economic value lie not in catch whatever snakes have instead of abs rippling , but in keeping the valued captives respectable and hopefully happy . Sometimes the gym may even be the difference between survival and extinction .
washup animals is an of import part of zoo hygiene , but Melbourne Zoo realize it could also be useful for dealing with the problem that zoo life story can just be too easy for many animals . “ A lot of reptile are ambush predator , ” keeper Alex Mitchell told IFLScience . “ If they do n’t have to chase their prey they become sedentary and quite prostrate to obesity . ”
initiate out by trying to get snake to float in a pail , Melbourne Zoo step by step up its secret plan to finally produce what Mitchell describe in a statement as “ a temperature - insure , filtered body of water , which allows keepers to cope water supply flow through the tankful . ”
The current flow is adjustable , allowing a gentle introduction . As animals get used to the idea , the stream can be turned up to make a sort of weak version of a tread-wheel . However , Mitchell told IFLScience , " the animals do n’t just go against the current , sometimes they drown with it . It creates novelty , ” and opportunities to act .
Or , as Mitchell puts it , it ’s “ sort of like aqua - aerobics for reptiles . ”
Most animate being bask a 4 - 5 minute swim before showing signs they are tired , at which point the keepers scoop them out . On the other hand , easterly diamondback rattler prefer lengthened fourth dimension in the water , and no one is game to tell them no . Some animals cool out on a platform when they experience they have had enough utilization for the 24-hour interval , while the snakes move out of the independent electric current to where still water makes swimming easier .
Among the species benefiting is the golden coin turtleneck , whose critically endanger position means each someone needs to be breeding for the planet . The unfortunate turtle is in such demand for Chinese medication that individuals can sell for thousands of dollars . If a nice dip get the turtleneck juice flowing , the hydro - gym will have been well worth it .
Sadly , there are only circumscribed opportunities for the public to watch the fun , but stave desire the idea will catch on and other menagerie will startle to put in similar facilities .
