Zoo Fans Help Name our Snakes

Over the course of just two weeks, more than 3,600 names poured in from creative people around the world – 27 different states and five different countries to be exact – for our reticulated python, green mamba and black mamba.

The female reticulated python will be named Artemis after the mythological Greek goddess of the hunt. The name Mahiri (prounounced mah-HEE-ree), a Swahili word that means “vibrant,” was chosen for the green mamba. The black mamba will be named Haraka (pronounced ha-RAH-ka), which means “fast” in Swahili.

Size, Speed & Venom: Extreme Snakes will feature more than 20 incredible species, including some of the largest and most dangerous snakes on the planet. Widely regarded as one of the world’s deadliest snakes, the name black mamba derives not from the color of their bodies, which is actually brown, but from their sharply colored black mouths. Green mambas are also highly venomous and are distinguished by their striking and marvelous green skin. Unlike mambas that use speed and venom to hunt their prey, pythons instead rely on their great size and incredible strength. The reticulated python is one of the world’s largest snakes, growing to nearly 30 feet in length with exquisite patterns.

Visit Artemis, Mahiri, Haraka and all the other species of Size, Speed & Venom: Extreme Snakes opening May 25 in our Deserts Dome!