Minsk Zoo Chooses the Symbol of 2025

Every year, the Minsk Zoo traditionally selects a symbol for the upcoming year. This time, the choice fell on a female royal python named Gorgona. The decision was not easy, considering the zoo's rich collection of reptiles, but the final choice favored a non-venomous, striking, and calm reptile. According to the Chinese calendar, 2025 will be the Year of the Green Wooden Snake. A logical candidate could have been the Chinese viper, a snake with bright green scales. However, this species is venomous, making it unsuitable for broad representation. Gorgona, on the other hand, perfectly meets all requirements. She has lived in the Minsk Zoo since 2016 and has won over the staff with her calm temperament and luxurious golden coloration. Royal pythons grow up to 1.5–2 meters, much smaller than the giant reticulated pythons, which can reach 6–7 meters. Fun fact: Gorgona has a unique “nickname” — Sharik (which means "Ball"). This is due to her defensive behavior. When threatened, pythons curl into a tight ball, hiding their head among the coils. That’s exactly what Gorgona did when she was introduced as the symbol of the year. Determining Gorgona’s age is challenging, as she arrived at the zoo as an adult. However, this doesn’t stop her from attracting visitors with her noble appearance and gentle nature. The zoo staff emphasize that selecting the symbol of the year is not just a formality but a kind tradition that helps popularize animals and draw attention to their unique traits. Residents and visitors of Minsk will have the opportunity to get to know Gorgona better in the new year. The zoo plans to host themed events related to the symbol of 2025 to educate people about the life and behavior of royal pythons, as well as the significance of the Year of the Green Wooden Snake.