HOUSTON — When keepers at the Houston Zoo noticed that Cookie the Gaboon viper wasn't acting like her usual self, they took action.
They brought the venomous snake to Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists for some scans after she hadn't eaten in 10 months and found some problems. Ten months may sound like a long time, but according to the zoo, they can go up to a year without food in the right conditions.
The zoo said they found that her follicles, or egg cells, that would typically be reabsorbed if not fertilized had not done so and could be stuck inside of her.
So the decision was made for Cookie to undergo surgery to spay her and remove the follicles.
The surgery, which lasted several hours, was successful and Cookie is expected to make a full recovery. As a part of the recovery process, her keepers and veterinary team will keep a close eye on her as she continues to take antibiotics and pain medication.