Hmmm, we’re not so sure about this.
Cebu Zoo in the Phillippines has been offering snake massages to calm visitors for months now and apparently this has become an odd critter news story around the world.
Zoo manager Giovanni Romarate says the free massages are part of a new theme for the zoo to encourage visitors to interact more with the animals.
We are going to change the zoo into an interactive one. Everybody could have an experience and have a chance to hold and pet some of the animals here.”
While we here at Critter Files like snakes as critters on their own and not as critters to be wrangled by pastors, we’re leery of any kind of massage where the snake needs to be fed first to avoid hunger pangs.
According to Oddity Central, each of the four pythons Michelle, Walter, EJ and Daniel, are fed 10 or more chickens first before giving out massages so they won’t be tempted to snack on guests.
Tourist Ian Maclean gave his take on what it was like to be massaged.
They tell you not to blow air on the snake, because this is like being pinched on the bum. You can’t shout for help as the snake can feel your vibrations and thinks you’re a prey or a predator, depending on the environment.”
h/t: Oddity Central
 
