Rescued python to undergo rare plastic surgery in Mumbai

A vet surgeon in Mumbai is preparing for an unique operation: reconstructive plastic surgery on a critically injured Indian rock python.

The 10-feet-long python is still fighting for its life due to multiple fractures and wounds more than three weeks after it was rescued by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and Maharashtra's forest department.

The reptile has been under observation and treatment by a team of veterinarians and animal rescuers and has been responding well to the care, PTI reported.


“The python has been critical and our teams are trying their best to treat it. Dr Rina Dev would be performing plastic surgery to reconstruct the damaged face of the python. This surgery would be a breakthrough in treating critically-injured endangered wildlife,” the agency quoted Pawan Sharma, founder, RAWW, as saying.

The Indian rock python, or black-tailed python, is commonly found in the subcontinent and in Southeast and is among the largest snakes of the world, reaching lengths of nearly 10 feet.

This python was found with a dislocated jaw, multiple fractures and open wound when it was found by rescuers in the Wadala area od central Mumbai in August.

The reconstructiive surgery is to save the life of the python and to improve its medical and physical condition.

Animal care activists and officials said such a plastic surgery could be a breakthrough in treating the critically injured endangered wildlife.

Recently, a peacock with a fractured leg was rescued from Raj Bhavan and it successfully underwent major surgery. It will be released back to its natural habitat post recovery.

RAWW has appealed to people to inform the Forest department and animal rescuers if they notice any injured or distressed wildlife.