Green anaconda

Angus: Male, born at the Bronx Zoo around November 25, 1978. Arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo on May 5, 1998.

Amanda: Female, wild born, estimated July 1991. Arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo on June 8, 1998.

Where to find me in the Zoo

Reptile and Amphibian House

Fun Facts

• On average, female anacondas are much bigger than males. In fact, the degree of size difference between the sexes is greater than in any other snake.
• In mating, several competing males form a breeding ball around one female which can last up to four weeks.
• They reach their monumental size on a diet of wild pigs, deer, birds, turtles, capybara, caimans, and even jaguars.

Ask an Expert

Have a question about this animal?
Ask an expert on our Docent Council!

Usually dark green, olive green, or brown in color with black spots. May also have yellow coloration on sides of body.

Behavior

The green anaconda spends most of its time in the water. Eyes and nostrils on the top of its head enable it to see and breath while partially submerged.

Reproduction

During breeding season several males (up to 12) will entwine themselves around a female to attempt copulation. Anacondas give birth to live young having litters up to 30 offspring.

Size

The average length is 10-15 feet.

Weight

Average weight is between 110 - 165 pounds.

Diet

Green anaconda are carnivorous. In the wild these snakes will eat almost anything they can manage to overpower, including: fish, birds, mammals and reptiles. At the Zoo the anaconda are offered rats in the winter and in the summer, when the snakes are more active, they are offered rabbits. Anaconda use constriction to overpower their prey, the snake then swallows the prey whole. It will take up to a week or more for the snake to completely digest its meal and be ready to eat again.

Geographic Range

South America, east of the Andes in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the Guianas and north of Trinidad.