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jungle python addicted to methamphetamine is one of hundreds of animals being rehabilitated at an Australian prison by staff and inmates.
The reptile, which the New South Wales Justice department did not name "due to legal reasons", was discovered during a police raid of an methamphetamine, also known as ice, lab and required six weeks of detoxification while housed at the corrective services NSW wildlife care centre in Windsor west of Sydney.
Ian Mitchell, a senior overseer at the John Morony correctional complex, said the python had absorbed the drug through its skin and as a result of its addiction it was more confused, erratic and aggressive than it would normally be.
"It just takes time for the drug to leave the snake’s system but through our assistance, we managed to calm it down after several months and bring it back to its routine feeding patterns," Mr Mitchell said.
The rehab program takes care of other animals that have been seized during police raids, including bearded dragons and blue tongue lizards, as well as venomous snakes that might have been found in backyards or by the side of the road, Mr Mitchell said.
Minimum-security inmates from the Outer Metropolitan Multi-Purpose Correctional Centre are selected to participate in the program, the NSW corrective services (CSNSW) explained.
The inmates feed and clean the non-venomous reptiles and "occasionally take them out of their enclosures to receive natural light". Venomous specimen are handled by CSNSW staff who have undergone specialist training.
Ivan Calder, governor of the outer metropolitan multi-purpose correctional centre, said the program provides inmates with a "calming environment that can assist with reducing reoffending."
Over the past year, around 40 snakes, 15 lizards, five turtles and a number of other animals have been cared for at the centre. At any one time there are around 250 animals, mainly birds, housed at the centre, the CSNSW said.
By Mir Andy
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