Cobra Pit Planned for Zilker Park
By Editor | August 24, 2007
Austin, TX — City of Austin officials announced today their plans to build a cobra enclosure in Zilker Park, to be situated near the park’s eastern corner, just across the water from Town Lake Park. See map below for proposed location. Construction on the new attraction could begin as early as October 1 of this year.
Image: Proposed location of cobra pit in Zilker Park
The enclosure is intended to provide wildlife education to park-goers. The city plans to house several species of cobras within the enclosure, to include the Indian cobra (Naja naja), monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia), the ever-popular king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and even a pair of Malaysian spitting cobras (Naja naja sputatrix).
To allay fears about the spitting cobras, officials have assured us that they will be fully enclosed on all sides by clear acrylic panels.
“It’s going to be completely safe,” said park administrator Buck Richards, “and educational as well. You’ll be able to get surprisingly close to these marvels of nature.”
According to Richards, the city has brought in none but the best to build the enclosure — wildlife experts who specialize in zoo exhibits. The crew even plans to designate a special area of the “cobra pit” to function as a sort of combat arena, where individual cobras can square off with the mongoose, their natural enemy.
Image: The Indian mongoose is too quick for this cobra
Gambling on the cobra vs. mongoose fights will be prohibited, but the idea of having area high schools sponsor one or the other combatant has not been ruled out.
Sound off, Austin. We want to hear from you.
Do you think the cobra pit is a good or bad idea for Zilker Park? If you’re in favor of the cobra pit, who would you root for in a death match between a cobra and a mongoose? Let us know your thoughts by using the “Comments” box below.
Get to Know Your Cobras
They call it the king cobra for a good reason. This highly venomous snake can grow to adult lengths of up to 18 feet. King cobras produce a powerful neurotoxin that is deadly to humans.
The snake’s Latin name Ophiophagus means “snake eater,” which is fitting since the king cobra frequently dines on other snakes. Learn more about the king cobra and other snake types here.
Topics: Austin News |
September 5th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
ooohhhh! I found a typo in the Get to Know your Cobras section! When will the lashings be posted for my viewing pleasure??? (The - should be - they)
:o)
September 5th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Thank you Maria.
I have an elite squad of former circus midgets analyzing the situation as we speak. (They are formerly of the circus, not formerly midgets.) Their height status has absolutely no bearing on their spelling ability, but they are all I have at the moment.
As for Roger’s mistake, he will be dealt with. Oh yes … he will be dealt with.
-Brandon
September 6th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Will there be a midget toss if another spelling error occurs?
September 13th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
when will they open the cobra pit at zilker park i would like to visit it when it opens
September 13th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
We have not received any updates regarding the cobra pit at Zilker Park, but we will post any news here on the Probe. It’s possible the cobras are having trouble getting through U.S. Customs.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Man What the Heck a COBRA pit?!?!?!? I hope all those Cobras die and all the mongooses win! Long Live the Weasels!
March 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
It’s just the motivation I need when running up the trail around that hill to keep going: stop now, loser, and you’re cobra food.
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 am
Isn’t organized animal fighting against the law within the boarders of the United States?
I would say that putting a snake and a mongoose in an arena is organized, due to the fact that it is intentional. Forcing animals to fight for entertainment is against the law I thought. People get arrested for dog fighting. What makes this so different?
May 21st, 2008 at 6:01 am
It is illegal only if you don’t have a “Cobra vs Mongoose” fighting license.