| Size |
The gaboon viper can reach a length of up to six feet and six inches in diameter! Females are often longer than the males. |
| Weight |
The gaboon viper can weigh up to 18 pounds, making it one of the heaviest snakes in Africa. |
| Conservation Status |
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| Diet |
In the wild, gaboon vipers feed on small mammals and birds. Here at the Zoo, the female viper eats a medium-sized rat every three weeks, while the male is fed a smaller rat every other week. |
| Geographic Range |
The gaboon viper is found in the rainforests of central, west and east Africa. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
The Reptile House |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The viper is one of the largest species of the puff adder family of snakes. Gaboon vipers have a unique pattern of colors that range from shades of brown to pinks and purples. The patterns on its body help it stay camouflaged among the leaves of the forest floor. They have broad heads and horns become present with age. They’re also known for their large fangs that can reach up to 2 inches in length.
Gaboon vipers play a large roll in controlling the rodent population in the rainforest. Their bite is so lethal that smaller prey is killed instantly when bitten; larger animals are struck, released and then tracked by scent.
It’s estimated that a gaboon viper could live from 15-20 years in captivity.
In the wild, it is thought that gaboon vipers would not live as long due to constant threats such as predators, famine and habitat destruction.
Females can give birth every two to three years producing as many as 50-60 babies at a time. The Zoo does not breed our vipers because of the unfortunate amount of regular breeding in the pet trade. Zoos are commonly asked to be recipients of confiscated gaboons.
You won’t see much action from the gaboon vipers here at the Zoo. This is not much different than how they would be seen in the wild. Due to their size and weight, the gaboon is a sluggish snake that sits and waits for its prey. However, its bite is not to be underestimated. The gaboon has one of the fastest and most lethal strikes of any serpent. Like other snakes when threatened, a gaboon will rear up and hiss to reveal its fangs to an encroaching predator.
The Zoo's female gaboon viper was confiscated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and donated to the Zoo on March 21, 2001.
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Tanya Minott is a keeper of the Gaboon vipers here at the Zoo:
“It really isn’t any different [to take care of a potentially lethal animal] than keeping any other animal, since the basic needs…food, water, shelter, observation for health status, etc., are the same whether you are caring for a chicken or a Gaboon! The only difference is the handling and level of awareness that you need to use when working with the animal.”
Equipment such as a snake hook is used to handle the animal during feeding, medical exams and other activities. Keepers never use their hands to handle the vipers and although the Gaboons are generally pretty mellow and fairly easy to work with, it’s important to not fall into a pattern of complacency with them and forget how dangerous they really can be.
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