Four species of poisonous serpents have taken up residence in the heart of the city. If snakes charm you, head to Parel's Haffkine Institute for an eye-to-eye with these slithering beauties
Four species of poisonous serpents have taken up residence in the heart of the city. If snakes charm you, head to Parel's Haffkine Institute for an eye-to-eye with these slithering beauties
The next time someone calls Mumbai a "concrete jungle", you might want to ask him or her to take back this comment. For, in the heart of this bustling metropolis is a snake farm, where these sinewy, slithery reptiles lounge in rocky mounds and cool off in shallow waters. At the Haffkine Institute in Parel, 45 snakes belonging to four species are taken care of in a large pit that resembles their natural habitatu00a0- the forest. And if serpents fascinate you, the guys at this farm will gladly share their knowledge with you.
At the snake farm, four distinct glass cages showcase the major poisonous serpent varieties that are housed hereu00a0- the Saw-Scaled Viper, Cobra, Russell's Viper and the Common Krait. Outside, in the sunlight is a large caged pit, divided into four sections with a channel of water flowing within that house these snakes. They appear at ease and calm until prodded.
"Many species are on the verge of extinction due to urbanisation. We pick up snakes that have entered private properties and house them here," informs KR Pawar, the Officer-in-Charge of the farm unit, as a cobra raises its hood and fixes its beady eyes on us.
His team, consisting of two snake catchers, an attendant and a gardener, also seeks to educate the public with regard to common myths on the reptile that serves as a powerful symbol in Hinduism and Indian mythology.
"There are people who believe that if they have killed a snake's young one or its mate, the snake will hunt them down. That's impossible, since snakes do not posses the necessary intelligence to do so. They also don't drink milk, nod to music or carry a diamond on their forehead," says Pawar. However, we were disappointed to discover that there was no demo on how to cope with a snakebite, or a lesson on handling a live snake.
"Snakes are an eco-friendly means to get ride of mice, a growing trouble for our country," says Pawar. "They are our friends." But as the lazy Russell Viper who had ignored our knocks on its glass cage raised its head to look at us as we exited, we figured its sinister stare would stay with us, for long.
OMG! FACT
The Haffkine Institute produces antivenin by injecting small doses of snake venom into horses and then collecting the horses' antibodies via blood serum. Though poisonous snakes typically have enough venom to kill their prey, horses have sufficient body mass to withstand venom injections.
INTRODUCING... THE BIG FOUR!
The Indian Cobra (Naja Naja) is a symbol of association to India and snake charmers, for many Westerners. Famous for its threat display, which involves raising its head and spreading its hood, the venomous snake has a spectacle-like pattern on its hood.
The Common Krait (Bungarus Caeruleus) has a body colour that varies from a dark steely blue-black to a pale faded bluish grey. It has large hexagonal scales running down its spine, with white cross bands that are more prominent near the tail region.
Beware of the Russell's Viper (Daboia), an irritable snake known for more human fatalities than any other venomous snake. It has a flattened, triangular head, distinct from the neck. Usually, it is deep yellow, tan or brown ground in colour, with three series of dark brown spots that run the length of its body.
The Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis Carinatus) has a head that is distinct from its neck, and a short and rounded snout. From the middle of its back, it has a series of mostly whitish spots, edged with dark brown patches.
At: Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel. A minimum group of eight can visit the snake farm with prior permission.
Call: 24160947 / 24160961 for permissions.
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