In a remarkable occurrence at City of Portsmouth College, a Brazilian rainbow boa named Ronaldo has achieved a rare feat, giving birth to 12 offspring without the presence of a male. This marks the second instance of virgin birth for the snake, previously believed to be male until her reassignment to female status.
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Ronaldo’s initial virgin birth was recorded in June 2024, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis, which is a form of asexual reproduction. This latest event has sparked interest amongst animal care experts, as such occurrences are not just uncommon but even more so when they happen to the same individual on two separate occasions. Pete Quinlan, an animal care technician at the college, is taking a keen interest in the snake’s exceptional reproductive abilities.
Observing the change in Ronaldo’s behaviour during her second pregnancy, Quinlan began to suspect she was expecting once again. Notably, her behaviour included shifts in nesting habits, increased skin shedding, and a significant decrease in appetite—typical indicators for a snake preparing for birth. In a statement, Quinlan expressed both surprise and admiration for the snake’s accomplishments, noting, “I’ve done as much research as I can, and I can’t find any record of it happening twice.”
Ronaldo was initially rescued from the RSPCA and later became part of Quinlan’s collection when he started working at the college in 2022. After taking responsibility for the snake for nearly a decade, Quinlan reflected on her transition to life in an educational setting. He remarked, “It’s almost time for her to retire and come back to me. She’s clearly had a great time at COPC.” He attributes the success of parthenogenesis in Ronaldo to the nurturing and optimal conditions provided by the college.
The educational institution has created a tranquil vivarium for Ronaldo, allowing both students and staff the opportunity to observe the birth and early development of the baby snakes. This hands-on experience provides valuable lessons about animal care and the unique reproductive tactics of reptiles, particularly those that exhibit parthenogenesis.
Parthenogenesis is not frequently encountered across the vertebrate kingdom, particularly among mammals. Nevertheless, scientific literature has documented this occurrence in several reptile species. According to a report by the BBC, the phenomenon is thought to occur as a last-ditch effort for females to pass their genetic material to the next generation when traditional mating might not be available.
In light of Ronaldo’s impressive reproductive pattern, the young snakes signify not only a biological curiosity but also showcase the vital role educational institutions, like City of Portsmouth College, play in animal conservation and understanding. As students engage with these remarkable creatures, they become more informed about the complexities of animal behaviours and the diversity of life forms on our planet.
The continued miraculous reproductive events associated with Ronaldo have cemented her status as an extraordinary subject within the realms of reproductive science and animal care. With this latest birth, she sets a precedent that further probes the capabilities of certain species in the animal kingdom, inviting both intrigue and admiration from observers and animal lovers alike.