‘Oldest snake in captivity’ reunited with RAF pilot at Lanarkshire theme park

Don was also able to confirm that Eric, whom it was always thought was a Burmese Python, was in fact an Indian Rock Python
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A former RAF pilot has been reunited with his squadron's pet snake after more than 30 years apart.

Don Ritch first met Eric when he was based in Germany in the 1990s while serving as the junior pilot on 14 (Tornado) Squadron at Bruggen. It was his job to look after and feed the Indian Rock Python, who lived in a heated glass cabinet by the crew room of the squadron who were known as ’the Crusaders’.

Don, who now lives near Brighton, had been unaware of sixteen-and-a-half-foot Eric's fate until he stumbled across a post online. He said: “I was recently in Bothwell and was looking online to see what the Crusaders were up to when I came across the mention of Eric."

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The former pilot was able to find that Eric was housed in Lanarkshire at M&D’s Theme Park's Amazonia. He added: "I decided to call into Amazonia one afternoon and see if it was the same Eric and if he was still there. I honestly couldn’t believe it!”

“As the junior pilot, it was my job to clean his cabinet, feed him and generally care for him between April 1990 and October 1992. I have fond memories of Eric, particularly on the odd occasion when he would escape into the crew room.

"We used to take him out and about to events. Everyone loved him and it’s great to see he’s been well looked after.”

Don was also able to confirm that Eric, whom it was always thought was a Burmese Python, was in fact an Indian Rock Python and at 38 years old, he could be the oldest snake in captivity of this type in the world.

Amanda Gott, Zoo Manager at Amazonia said, “Eric is one of our favourite attractions however, you can only tell his exact breed by a slight difference near his eyes, so we were never sure of the accuracy of his breed. Aged 38 however, we believe he is the oldest snake of his kind in captivity in the world as most live to around 28.

"We would love to hear from any breeders who are aware of an older Indian Rock Python”.

Records show that 14 Squadron had a python as a mascot as far back as 1961, with the first being called A Tiger Python would go on to replace it in October 1985, however, his tenure proved short and he left after three months.

On 24 March 1986 his successor, the current Eric, arrived as Flight Lieutenant Aldrovandi. During his first two years, Eric grew to nine feet and weighed just under a stone and was given a fully heated office originally in the history room.

On 1st January 1992, Eric grew in stature and was promoted to Squadron Leader and stretched to 14 feet. In 2011 Eric requested permission to retire and relocated to Longleat in Wiltshire before making his way to Lossiemouth and finally to M&D’s in Strathclyde Country Park.

Amazonia is a temperature-controlled tropical indoor forest and home to over 60 species and a unique place for fun and learning where the whole family can marvel at monkeys, parrots, snakes, frogs, tarantulas and much more.

Further information is available from www.scotlandsthemepark.com

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