Ronaldo, the Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Gives Birth to 14 Babies Through Parthenogenesis

Last month, the City of Portsmouth College in southern England witnessed an extraordinary event when Ronaldo, a 6-foot Brazilian rainbow boa constrictor, gave birth to 14 babies. The snake, presumed male for nearly a decade, had not come into contact with another snake during this time. The phenomenon, known as parthenogenesis, is a natural process through which the boa reproduced asexually.

A Unique Event

This occurrence marks the third documented case of a Brazilian rainbow boa giving birth through parthenogenesis in captivity. Ronaldo, a resident of the City of Portsmouth College, is part of the educational program aimed at teaching 16- to 18-year-old students about animal care.

"I received a call from a colleague of mine asking me why I had released some small snakes in with Ronaldo," said Pete Quinlan, an animal technician at the college.

"I was completely puzzled by it," he said, noting that he has worked with reptiles for over 50 years. "I’ve never heard of it before."

The Science Behind Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis, meaning "virgin birth" in Greek, occurs when an embryo develops without fertilization. This process is exceptionally rare for vertebrates such as snakes. It involves the development of embryos without the need for fertilization, resulting in offspring with two similar but not identical sets of DNA.

Quinlan mentioned that researchers believe parthenogenesis in snakes may occur when females do not have a mate for most of their lives. In recent years, similar reports have emerged of animals reproducing asexually in captivity, including a shark at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois and critically endangered California condors.

Reactions and Future Plans

Ronaldo, who was initially obtained from a charity supporting animal welfare, has become a beloved figure at the school. The unexpected birth of the baby snakes has surprised and amazed students and staff alike. The college plans to keep one or two of the baby snakes and ensure the rest are cared for until they are ready to be placed in new homes.

Ronaldo's story has gained global attention, surpassing the popularity of the famous footballer bearing the same name. The college intends to use this remarkable event as an educational opportunity for its students and to continue raising awareness about the wonders of the animal kingdom.