Miraculous Virgin Birth in Captivity: The Story of Ronaldo the Rainbow Python

A 13-year-old Brazilian rainbow python, named Ronaldo, recently gave birth to 14 cubs after nearly a decade of being mistaken for a male and living alone in captivity at Portsmouth City College. Belonging to the Epicrates cenchria species, Ronaldo had not had contact with any others of its kind for at least nine years before being rescued by an animal welfare organization.

Initially believed to be male by a vet, Ronaldo was discovered to be pregnant by a student during a routine inspection. The baby snakes are currently being checked for gender and will be relocated to a new enclosure when they are old enough. This virgin birth is only the third recorded in the Brazilian rainbow python species.

Virgin parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction, is rare but has been seen in various animals living in captivity, including birds, sharks, lizards, snakes, and crocodiles. In parthenogenesis, the egg matures without fertilization, resulting in offspring that are clones of their mothers with slightly different characteristics.

The staff at Portsmouth City College is fascinated by this miraculous birth and reminds us of the complexity and wonders of nature. It also highlights the mysteries that still exist in the animal kingdom.