- Man Fined Over $2,000 for Surfing with Pet Python Named Shiva
- Viral Video Shows Man Riding Waves with His Reptilian Companion
- Concerns Raised About the Python’s Welfare and Legal Permit Violation
Higor Figuez reported that his python Shiva seemed to appreciate going out on the water. But wildlife officials stated that “only sea snakes should be in the ocean.”
The man who went viral surfing with his pet snake was fined over 2,000 Australian dollars for public exhibition.
According to Australian news reports, Higor Fiuza of the Gold Coast had captured the waves off Rainbow Bay at least ten times with his Morelia bredli python named Shiva.
After footage of his surfing exploits was extensively shared online, Mr. Fiuza told the news channel 9News, “(The snake) goes for a little swim and then returns to the board, just cruising and waiting for a wave – for the perfect wave.”
In contrast to when annoyed, the snake never hissed while on the waves, according to Mr. Fiuza.
After viewing the video, wildlife officers from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science were concerned for Shiva’s welfare.
Jonathan McDonald, a wildlife officer, said snakes are cold-blooded and can swim, but they avoid water.
The water would have been extremely frigid for the python, and only sea snakes should be discovered in the ocean.
McDonald said Mr. Fiuza has a permit to retain the snake on his property but not remove it.
The Queensland Department of Environment and Science fined Mr. Fiuza $2,322 (£1,207) for bringing the reptile into public without permission.
Mr. McDonald added, “The man came to our attention when he was spotted by local media carrying his python into the surf”.
We do not want permit holders to display their native animals in public unless they are doing so for a specific approved purpose and in a manner that best ensures the animal’s welfare, public safety, and compliance with the applicable codes.
“Native pets can act abnormally when pulled from their enclosures and stressed out in public.”
