Zoo owner 'fuming' over pythons found in countryside

One of the pythons looks like it may not survive after being hit by a vehicle, according to zoo owner Chris Moisier

A zoo owner who rescued two royal pythons in the Devon countryside said he was "fuming" they had been "abandoned".

Chris Moisier, owner of Tropiquaria Zoo in Somerset, was called by a man on Friday who had discovered the first reptile in Hunstham Wood, near Tiverton.

Mr Moisier's team then found a second snake on Sunday, within 100m (328ft) of where the first one had been found.

He told BBC Radio Devon that abandoning reptiles not used to the British climate was "cruel".

Mr Moisier said: "I'm fuming because there is no need to do that."

The man who discovered the first royal python, also known as a ball python, took the reptile home and contacted the zoo for help.

However, it had sustained an injury, perhaps from a passing vehicle, and Mr Moisier said he was doubtful it would survive.

He encouraged anyone who wanted to relocate their reptiles to contact the National Centre for Reptile Welfare or other alternative organisations.

"There is no need to abandon anything anywhere," he said. "Please do not release them into the British countryside. It compromises the welfare of the animal.

"They won't survive in this climate as it's from sub-Saharan Africa. It's a cruel slow death."