Infrared cameras were installed at the Pretoria Zoo, in Gauteng, South Africa, yesterday (Thursday) to track down a black mamba snake which escaped last week.
In the hope to track the animal’s heat signature through the infrared detection, the radiation of the snake will be traced to return the mamba to its cage.
According to Craig Allenby, marketing manager at the zoo, the mamba is thought to be hiding somewhere in the service area, the South African Press Association (Sapa) reported.
The useful technology is built to detect the heat signature every body and object, including cold blooded animals, emits into the atmosphere.
Timeless Technologies used the thermal cameras to search the territory of escape, including nearby trees and bushes.
As the operation has ended without success, the possibility of theft for illegal trade with indigenous animals is now under investigation.
“The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) will continue with its efforts to try to find the missing Houdini, but the option of the snake having been stolen is now highly probable,” a report said.
Meanwhile Craigby assured the public safety is top priority, as staff presence in walkways were increased.
“We would like to assure the public our utmost commitment to resolving this issue as quickly as possible”, he said.
Initially suspecting a hibernation-driven migration to the roof, the two-meter long reptile’s absence was first spotted on Monday, March 11, by staff members during routines.
The Reptile Park was initially closed for a few days as emergency safety protocol was carried out and prey was laid out in an attempt to attract the snake from its hiding.
