12-foot python found after escaping inside Louisiana’s largest mall

Cara, a yellow and white Burmese python, slithered out of its enclosure at the Blue Zoo in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Tuesday. (Photo released by Blue Zoo)

BATON ROUGE, La. – Authorities say they’ve found a 12-foot python Thursday, days after it escaped from its enclosure inside Louisiana’s largest shopping mall.

Cara, a yellow and white Burmese python, slithered out of its enclosure at the Blue Zoo in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, news outlets reported. She was still on the loose early Wednesday morning, WBRZ-TV reported, after a search overnight, when such snakes are most active.

Recommended Videos



Finally, Cara was located shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday.

“While we’ve created a very secure home for Cara, our Burmese Python, she has slithered out of her exhibit,” the Blue Zoo said in a statement. “Cara is a non-poisonous, friendly snake that enjoys her time interacting with guests during our Snake Education Shows.”

Pythons slowly squeeze their prey to death before swallowing them. Cara was described as “very sweet” by her handlers, who released a photo of the animal.

The Blue Zoo — which bills itself as “more than an aquarium, more than a zoo” — was closed Wednesday while search efforts continued, but the Mall of Louisiana remained open.

Cara was taken to Louisiana State University’s veterinary school to undergo an evaluation.


About the Authors

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Recommended Videos