Did you know that a variety of dangerous wild animals are living in Oxfordshire, including lions and a king cobra?

International wildlife charity Born Free recently revealed there are more than 2,700 dangerous wild animals being kept privately (with a licence) in the UK and Northern Ireland.

There could be more living in the UK that are being kept without a licence.

A Born Free survey, conducted back in 2023, revealed “a total of 187 private addresses across 126 local authorities hold licences to keep dangerous wild animals such as lions, tigers, crocodiles and venomous reptiles”.

The dangerous wild animals living in Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire, which is broken down to west Oxfordshire, was among the areas in Britain where dangerous wild animals can be found.

The Born Free survey showed there are 140 dangerous wild animals living in the area, including red kangaroos, wolves, tigers and more.

Here is the full list of dangerous wild animals living in west Oxfordshire, according to Born Free:

Morelet’s crocodile – 2

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman – 1

There are four zebras known to be living in west Oxfordshire (Image: Getty)

You can see all the dangerous wild animals living in Britain, and where they are located, on the Born Free website (linked above).

The world’s most venomous snake that can be found living in Oxfordshire

King cobras are among the most venomous snakes in the world, according to National Geographic , and are one of the dangerous wild animals that call Oxfordshire home.

They can grow up to 18 feet in length (the longest type of venomous snake), and they have an average life span of around 20 years when living in the wild.

King cobras can weigh up to 20 pounds, and they “usually live in the rainforests and plains of India, southern China, and Southeast Asia.”

Native wild animals in the UK

National Geographic adds: “The king cobra—one of the most venomous snakes on the planet—can literally “stand up” and look a full-grown person in the eye.

“When confronted, they can lift up to a third of its body off the ground and still move forward to attack.

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“Fortunately, king cobras are shy and will avoid humans whenever possible. It will also flare out its iconic hood and emit a hiss that sounds almost like a growling dog.”

Are king cobras dangerous?

National Geographic said: “King cobra venom is not the most potent among venomous snakes, but the amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite – up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce – is enough to kill 20 people, or even an elephant.

“Their venom affects the respiratory centers in the brain, causing respiratory arrest and cardiac failure.”