The world's longest snake died unexpectedly on Tuesday night at the Columbus Zoo andAquarium.
Fluffy, a gigantic reticulated python who had called the zoo home since March 2007, died of anapparent tumor, zoo officials announced on Wednesday.
Fluffy, 18, was 24 feet long and 300 pounds. The snake was named the worlds longest by theGuinness Book of World Records, 10TV's Danielle Elias reported.
VIDEO EXTRA: Fluffy The Snake | SLIDESHOW: Images Of Fluffy
Fluffy was originally brought to the zoo on loan, but drew such large crowds as part of thezoo's Asia Quest exhibit, that it became her permanent home.
"She was greatly loved here by the staff, mainly because she was a gentle snake," said zoospokeswoman Carrie Pratt.
Preliminary findings of a necropsy performed by The Ohio State University College of VeterinaryMedicine revealed the presence of a mass on her ovary.
Reticulated pythons are found in tropical forests in Southeast Asia, the zoo said.
They are the world's longest snakes, averaging 10 to 20 feet in length.
The reticulated python skin has a geometric pattern that camouflages the snake protecting itfrom predators and allowing it to ambush prey, the zoo said. Reticulated pythons are widespread butthey are killed for their skin and numbers are dwindling.
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More Information:
October 9, 2010: Columbus Zoo's 'Fluffy' May Set World Record
