STORY: A snake, which was previously thought to have been male, has given birth to fourteen snakelets without having mated.
The 13-year-old boa constrictor, named Ronaldo, surprised her owner when she gave birth as she had not had any contact with a male snake since he rescued her nine years ago.
Although uncommon, it is possible for female snakes to asexually reproduce in a process known as parthenogenesis.
The snakes are being cared for at the City of Portsmouth College where Ronaldo’s owner works as an animal care technician.