The East Bay Vivarium recently announced the passing of their beloved two-headed snake, Zeke and Angel, which had been a unique ambassador for the store and the entire herpetological community. The rare California kingsnake, hatched with two distinct heads, survived against the odds for far beyond what many experts anticipated. "Hey everyone we are so sorry for the confusion. Zeke and Angel did unfortunately pass away last week," a social media post from the East Bay Vivarium read.
Uncommon in nature and with about a 1-in-100,000 shot at existence, two-headed snakes like Zeke and Angel typically face slim odds of surviving. Despite early doubts, the snakes managed to exist and thrive, achieving a certain level of fame on social media. "With a little luck and without unforeseen challenges, he should live many years," Ezekiel White had previously told the SF Chronicle with a hopeful outlook on the snake's future.
The vivarium initially kept the snake under wraps, uncertain of its chances at survival. Following six months of growth and positive signs, they released an Instagram reel showing the snake feeding, which captured the attention of enthusiasts and casual followers alike. Angel and Zeke's unique condition, featuring two brains and a shared digestive system, posed special challenges and required a simpler habitat to avoid complications with movement and feeding.
Zookeepers adapted to their needs, noting that while both heads may appear to operate individually, the right head often takes charge during feeds. "They are occasionally fighting over where to go. You don’t want them to get stuck, when they’re not on the same page," Alex Blanchard from the Vivarium explained to the SF Chronicle. This was consistent with observations of their behavior, which, despite being clumsy, showed fearlessness in navigating their environment.
