Perth Zoo health checks elderly python

Perth Zoo is concerned about the health of its elderly reticulated python Cuddles, who has lost weight and body condition.

With a length of five metres and weighing 46kg, Cuddles needed to be doubled up to fit into a CT scanner at Murdoch University, where the zoo's vets got a better insight this week into what might be going on with the aged python.

"Cuddles had recently gone off his food and although that's not unusual for snakes in the cooler months, given he's an elderly reticulated python and has lost a bit of weight and body condition we wanted to get a better look at him," senior veterinarian Simone Vitali said.

His age is estimated be about 28, three years older than the life expectancy for most snakes of his type.