The release of ‘Zootopia 2’ has sparked a surprising new trend in China, with a growing number of people purchasing venomous Indonesian pit vipers as pets. The snake species in question is the same as the beloved character Gary De’Snake from the animated film, portrayed by Key Huy Quan. This unexpected surge in pet sales comes on the heels of the movie’s success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide and becoming China’s highest-grossing foreign animated film to date.
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One such individual who jumped on this trend is Qi Weihao, a 21-year-old from Jiangxi province, China, who made the decision to buy a venomous pit viper just two days after watching ‘Zootopia 2’ in cinemas. Qi shared with CNN his admiration for the blue snake, native to Indonesia, citing the character Gary De’Snake as an influencing factor in his choice to become a reptile parent. He expressed his fondness for Gary’s character, appreciating his enthusiasm and sense of responsibility.
The surge in interest in owning Indonesian pit vipers post-‘Zootopia 2’ release has not gone unnoticed. Searches for the snake and sales of the species have seen a significant uptick on major Chinese e-commerce platforms. Prices for these unique pets vary from a few hundred to several thousand yuan, demonstrating the extent of this emerging trend in pet ownership among the Chinese population.
Interestingly, owning venomous snakes such as the Indonesian pit viper comes with potential risks and challenges. Snake venom contains toxins that can cause harm to cells and, in severe cases, lead to respiratory failure or even death. Qi Weihao cautioned individuals without prior experience in handling snakes against impulsively acquiring venomous reptiles, emphasising the importance of preparation and expertise in snake care and safety measures.
While Chinese regulations prohibit the mailing of live animals or hazardous substances, owning an Indonesian pit viper itself is not illegal. However, some e-commerce platforms in China have taken steps to mitigate the increased sales of venomous animals by removing these species from their listings. JD, a prominent online retailer, stated their strict prohibition of selling venomous animals on their platform and their swift actions in removing such listings upon identification.
The rise in popularity of venomous vipers as pets reflects a broader trend of Chinese pet owners embracing exotic animals, particularly among the younger generation. As of 2024, over 17 million individuals in China reported owning exotic pets, with many of them belonging to Gen Z. This growing fascination with unique pets aligns with 2025 being designated as the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, further fuelling the appeal of owning Indonesian pit vipers.
In conclusion, the unexpected surge in Indonesian pit viper sales following the release of ‘Zootopia 2’ in China highlights the profound impact of media and pop culture on consumer behaviour. While the allure of owning a venomous snake may be appealing to some, it is crucial for potential pet owners to exercise caution, acquire necessary expertise, and prioritise the well-being and safety of both themselves and their exotic pets.