Denver Zoo officials banded together to weigh and measure the resident female reticulated python in preparation for the upcoming slithery festivities at the St. Patrick’s Day Serpent Festival this weekend.

It took six zookeepers to carry the snake from her exhibit to the scale and weigh her. After placing her in a large container and weighing her at 82 pounds, they stretched her out to almost 16 feet.

Visitors will be able to see this heavy-weight reptilian, along with 56 other snake species totaling more than 150 individual slithering residents, at Denver Zoo’s St. Patrick’s Day Serpent Festival.

Winter hours, effective October through March are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission gates close at 4 p.m. Seasonal admission fees, October through March, are $9.00 ages 12-64, $5.00 for ages 3-11 and $7.00 for ages 65+. Children under three are admitted free.

Denver Zoo is open every day. Parking is free. For information on Colorado free days, meeting and party space rental or special events, call 303-376-4800. Visit the Denver Zoo web site at www.denverzoo.org.