Abilene Zoo celebrates hatching of rare Mangshan pit vipers

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Abilene Zoo has announced the successful hatching of eight Mangshan pit vipers, a critically endangered snake species with fewer than 500 left in the wild.

The zoo shared a time-lapse video online of the hatchlings emerging, calling it a major milestone for both the facility and global conservation efforts.

Native to China’s Mangshan Mountains, a range roughly the size of Abilene, these snakes are among the top five most endangered in the world. Breeding them in captivity is difficult, with fewer than 10 zoos in the U.S. reaching this benchmark.

“This achievement not only highlights the dedication of our reptile team but also contributes to global conservation efforts for a species listed among the top 5 most endangered snakes in the world,” the zoo shared. “Why are these snakes so endangered? Illegal poaching and the pet trade have made these snakes highly endangered, and conservation efforts such as these are working to combat the declining population.”

For now, the young vipers will remain behind the scenes under close monitoring. Visitors can, however, book an up-close tour to see them.