Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
Fri, April 3, 2026 at 4:01 PM UTC
The recent hatching of 14 rare Philippine pit vipers at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has made history.
Never before had that species been bred at the local zoo, which is 111 years old.
“We are thrilled,” the zoo proclaimed in a Facebook post.
These highly venomous snakes arrived after a 44-day incubation period, averaging 7 inches and 6 grams in size.
“We are incredibly proud to report a 100% success rate. Every single egg hatched,” according to the zoo. “These tiny vipers represent a huge step forward for the conservation of this rare species.”
Because they are so rare in U.S. zoos, the entire clutch will be sent to other facilities to help them establish their own breeding programs.
A view from above of the history-making hatching of 14 rare Philippine pit vipers at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
The Philippine pit viper is typically found only in the Philippines in lowland moist forests, forest edges and plantations, according to the Animalia website. The species is “one of the most venomous snakes in the world,” with no anti-venom yet available, the website said.
Such vipers are “often seen perching on tree branches where they rest or hunt their prey. The coloration of these snakes helps them blend into their surroundings and makes them proficient ambush predators,” according to the website.
They are usually not aggressive by their nature unless cornered or threatened.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Rare Philippine pit vipers hatch at Jacksonville Zoo for first time