THE 14-FOOT SNAKE was discovered resting in the grass, image from Simon Kewley.
A West Dorset holiday park has made headlines after an unexpected guest recently found in its grounds was identified as a fully grown Burmese python. The 14-foot snake was discovered resting in the grass at Monkton Wyld Holiday Park near Charmouth by two holiday guests who thought at first it was a large branch.
Pictures and a video of the python, which appeared to be perfectly content in its new five-star park surroundings, featured across national media. But Bella – as she was affectionately christened by staff – couldn’t be given residential status by park owners Joanna and Simon Kewley, and help was called in.
In a four-hour operation, Bella was safely captured by professionals from a nearby reptile rescue centre who later reported her to be in good health and receiving proper care. Joanna and Simon first started welcoming guests to their family farm in the early nineties, and have since gone on to receive a host of quality awards for their park.
They include David Bellamy “Blooming Marvellous!” conservation scheme accolades for their work to protect native wildlife in the park’s 26-acre grounds. Bella, the latest species clearly attracted to living conditions Monkton Wyld, is thought to have been abandoned by its previous owner, and is now enjoying life in her new home.
Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.monktonwyld.co.uk
