Experts baffled by snake’s second ‘virgin birth’

By Lauren Beavis

A snake has had a "virgin birth" without a partner for a second time - in a "world first."

Ronaldo the snake, who was originally thought to be male, previously gave birth to 14 snakelets without a mate.

The snake has now given birth to a litter of 12 snakelets without mating - in a process known as parthenogenesis.

It allows creatures to have so-called "virgin births" without fertilisation - and has been documented only three times for a captive Brazilian Rainbow Boa anywhere in the world.

But the team at City of Portsmouth College (COPC) says for it to happen twice with the same snake "is unheard of."

Pete Quinlan, animal care technician at COPC, said: “I’ve done as much research as I can and I can’t find any record of it happening twice.

“I had my suspicions for a couple of weeks and then suddenly she was showing all the signs.”

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The reptile showed other signs of pregnancy including nesting behaviours, excess skin shedding, and a loss of appetite.

Pete’s only concern was her weight, which she had not fully regained before this pregnancy.

In the lead-up to the birth, Ronaldo was kept in a quiet vivarium away from students, who performed observations instead.

Pete rescued the boa constrictor from the RSPCA and started his animal care work at the college in 2022 where he took his collection of snakes with him.

Ronaldo, who turns 14 this summer, first gave birth to her previous litter in June 2024.

Pete said: “She was mine for nine years before she came here.

“And it’s almost time for her to retire and come back to me.

"She’s clearly had a great time at COPC - for parthenogenesis to happen, the conditions have to be perfect.

"Which I think is a great testament to the facilities we have here.”