Tiger-Lily, a non-venomous, two-headed snake, recently underwent major surgery after a health issue was discovered by a member of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) team. The rare western rat snake was set to leave the MDC’s Powder Valley Nature Center but was found to have an “emerging health condition” when traces of blood were discovered after she sneezed during a feeding. This led to an appointment with the Animal Health Team at the Saint Louis Zoo, where it was determined that Tiger-Lily had abnormal ovaries that needed to be removed surgically. The surgery took place on March 11 with successful removal of the ovaries, and Tiger-Lily is currently in recovery with an expected month-long process before resuming her statewide tour.
Dr. Michael Warshaw, a staff veterinarian at the Saint Louis Zoo, explained that under normal circumstances, the ovary of a snake would grow follicles and ovulate them as eggs, but in Tiger-Lily’s case, the follicles did not ovulate and continued to grow, leading to inflammation and the risk of infection. The decision to remove the abnormal ovaries was made to ensure the health and well-being of the two-headed snake. Tiger-Lily’s recovery is underway, and she is expected to continue her tour by visiting the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City once she has fully recovered. The collaboration between the Saint Louis Zoo and the MDC has been instrumental in providing the care and treatment needed for this unique reptile.
The discovery of Tiger-Lily dates back to 2017 when she was found in Stone County and named by the family who discovered her. Tiger-Lily is actually a pair of conjoined identical snake twins that were never completely separated, making her a rare and unique specimen. According to MDC officials, such two-headed snakes are rarely seen in the wild due to their low survival rate. The care and treatment of Tiger-Lily at the Saint Louis Zoo highlight the organizations’ commitment to the well-being of all wildlife in Missouri and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting unique and endangered species.
The care of Tiger-Lily has been a collaborative effort between the Saint Louis Zoo and the MDC, who have a long history of partnering together for the care of Missouri’s native wildlife. The quick response and expert treatment provided by the zoo’s veterinary team have been crucial in ensuring Tiger-Lily’s health and safety. Lauren Baker, a naturalist at the MDC, expressed gratitude for the care Tiger-Lily has received and wished her a safe and speedy recovery. The successful surgery and ongoing recovery process showcase the dedication and expertise of the veterinary team at the Saint Louis Zoo in providing high-quality care for unique and special animals like Tiger-Lily.
As Tiger-Lily continues to recover from her surgery, she is expected to resume her statewide tour and visit the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City. The delay in her tour is necessary to ensure that she has fully recovered and is in good health before continuing her public appearances. The MDC and the Saint Louis Zoo are committed to providing the best possible care for Tiger-Lily and ensuring that she can continue to be an ambassador for conservation efforts and wildlife education. The unique nature of Tiger-Lily as a two-headed snake makes her a rare and fascinating creature, and her journey to recovery is a testament to the dedication of those involved in her care and treatment.
