LIKE the tarsiers of Corella, Bohol, this 25-feet python also attracts tourists - foreigners and locals alike to come to Upper Sta. Fe, Alburquerque, Bohol and see in person the world’s largest python in captivity. This female reticulated python christened "Prony" was a super hit among Filipino celebrities like Cesar Montano and Patricia Javier and many foreigners from all over the world who heard her existence in the island province of Bohol.
The name ‘Prony" came from Manong Sofronio Salibay who caught her in the town’s cemetery. This world-renowned python was only five kilos and five feet in length when captured on October 21, 1996. But many cannot believe what she is today. Under the caring hands of the Salibay brothers – Sofronio, Eugenio and Jingjing--- "Prony" became a 200-kilo python whose body length is now 25 feet with 28 inches body width.
"Her growth is very abnormal," Manang Jingjing says. "Reptile experts from London Zoo assigned by Charles Wartenberg, director of Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc. informed us that her size is like a 40-year old python. Maybe because of how we cared her.
"We give her everyday all our love. We always talk to her day and night. We called on her name even if she cannot hear us. Since our calling is in our hearts, she could hear us. She could receive the vibrations and messages from our minds and hearts. This summer we sprayed her water three times a day. According to reptile experts, her life span is 150 years. We are hoping she will live up to it.
"Prony" has already swallowed cats and dogs. In fact, she had feasted 40 live dogs before Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc., led by Mr. Wartenberg, raided the Salibay brothers that saved 12 dogs reserved for one year ration. Today, live goat and pigs are her monthly gourmet.
"Under the watchful eyes of AKF Inc., we already feed Prony five goats and five pigs, alternately. But now, we try to give her only pig, a 40-kilo pig a month. And we make sure that the pig is clean and free from disease.
"We received an offer that will give us millions but we turned it downed. We are not after the money. "Prony" is not for sale. It’s our mission now to care her forever. Our family loves her very much. She’s a family treasure," the lady sanctuary keeper admitted.
"Prony" is now house in the steel-caged situated beside the house of Salibay brothers. It was built with the help of AKF Inc. and with the assistance of PepsiCo.
"The P5.00 entrance for food and maintenance is a small amount compared to the great experience of seeing in person the world’s largest python in captivity," Manang Jingjing opined.
On summer "Prony" averages 300 visitors a day. Many of them were awed when they saw her in her steel-cage. "Oh, no! It’s a monster. A real Anaconda," a South Korean tourist shrieked watching "Prony" opened her mouth. And the African-American, who was standing near the railing together with his wife, avowed, "Only in the Philippines!"
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