As the year draws to a close, the Lithuanian Zoo (LZS) traditionally draws attention to protected animal species, which, according to the Eastern calendar, symbolise the coming New Year. With 2025 being the Year of the Green Wooden Snake, the zoo's animal keepers have entrusted Egle, a female Taiwanese Taiga snake, to predict the year ahead.

„This is not only a fun annual tradition of the Lithuanian Zoo, but also a way to raise public awareness of protected and endangered animal species, in this case snakes. Snakes are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem. They maintain biodiversity, reduce animal overpopulation, prevent the spread of disease and contribute to the stability of the food chain. Their disappearance could have serious consequences for the balance of the ecosystem," says Vilija Griškevičienė, Head of the Exotarium Department at LZS, adding that the zoo is currently home to 6 species of snakes, of which 2 are protected.

The female snake had three choices for her prediction of the year ahead, with the scents of a quail egg, a camel's fur ball and a Victoria's goura pigeon feather tempting her. After pausing, she chose the camel's fur ball, which had a "„inspirational“ card attached to it, and pushed it into the water. When the female snake was crawling, Eglė also pushed the „generous“ card next to Victoria's goura pigeon feather. So, if we are to believe the zoo's choice, we are in for an inspiring, enthusiastic, creative and generous 2025.

Taiwan's snakes (Elaphe taeniura) are the largest of the snakes in the family of scaly snakes that originate from Taiwan and are distributed throughout East and Southeast Asia. They live in wet forests and caves. They are predatory animals that feed on rodents, birds and sometimes their eggs.

This species faces various threats – habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade. Poachers often catch these snakes for their skin, and in Taiwan they are also used for food and folk medicine.

Taiwan's snakes have a striking appearance. Their flesh can be a variety of earthy shades – from yellow-brown to lilac-green. Males are distinguished by a longer tail. These snakes can grow up to 2.5-3 metres in length and are very agile, so they are not easy to catch in the wild.

Remember that the animals can be observed in the Lithuanian Zoo all year round. For those who are not used to winter and the Lithuanian climate, the zoo has special indoor aviaries where they can keep warm and visitors can see them through large glass windows.

The Lithuanian Zoo offers an opportunity to learn about the world's diversity of fauna, endangered species and the flora and fauna of Lithuania. The zoo is currently home to around 2,580 animals – 200 different species, more than 80 of which are protected.