It is now known that Silvio Alcántara is the owner of the reticulated pythons that were seized by the Army in Jicomé, Valverde province when being transferred last week. The snakes measured more than 6 meters. They were taken to the National Zoo where veterinarians reported they were in good condition.
The import of these snakes is banned in the country. The transporters could not present authorization from the Ministry of Environment for the keeping and handling of the snakes.
He said the snakes had been kept in a ranch of his property in Higüerito, in the northwestern province of Santiago Rodríguez. He said he was contemplating opening a zoo and marketing it as a tourist attraction but could not find enough government support.
The snakes were confiscated at the crossing between Esperanza and Navarrete when they were being transported after he donated these to a zoo located in Santiago de los Caballeros owned by former deputy Radhames Fermin.
Alcantara said the snakes were imported around 10 years ago by Dominican biologist Marcelino Hernández. He said he spent a large amount of money to breed the snakes. He said every 15 days the snakes would eat a small 150 lb baby cow.
Alcántara says he still has a female tiger and a crane on his farm.
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Listin Diario
El Dia
12 November 2018
