Rocky, Beloved Elmwood Zoo Snake, Dies

NORRISTOWN, PA — Rocky, Elmwood Park Zoo's beloved boa constrictor, has died after battling a long illness, the zoo announced Tuesday. He lived to the extraordinary age of 18 despite battling serious health complications.

Rocky hatched at Elmwood back in June 2006 and quickly became a member of the zoo's vanguard, joining the Education Ambassador collection for at time before moving to the Bayou and finally Habitat HQ.

Rocky was diagnosed in 2017 with inclusion body disease, a highly contagious and difficult condition which could have proved quickly fatal for a less formidable snake and care team.

But zookeepers at Elmwood kept Rocky safe and secluded, and helped manage successfully his weight loss and mobility issues for years.

"Rocky’s care always focused on his welfare, from providing enrichment like outdoor playtime in the sun to ensuring he had new spaces to grow and thrive," the zoo said in announcing his death. "His gentle presence touched the lives of countless visitors and staff across departments, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him."