In the rural area of Bonito, Brazil, a giant anaconda believed to be one of the largest in the world was discovered dead in the Formoso River. Named Ana Julia, the snake measured 26 feet in length and weighed around 440 pounds. The discovery was made during filming for the National Geographics Disney+ series ‘Pole to Pole’ with Will Smith.
Professor Freek Vonk, who shared news of Ana Julia’s death on Instagram, highlighted how strong and resilient these magnificent creatures were as they had been swimming in Bonito for decades. He expressed disappointment at the loss of such a healthy and thriving creature, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and preserve future descendants of this species.
Although initial speculation suggested that Ana Julia may have been shot, Professor Vonk clarified that authorities had not yet found any evidence to support this claim. Investigations into her death were ongoing, considering all possible options including natural causes.
During the discovery, University of Queensland’s Professor Bryan Fry noted how large these anacondas could grow and some reports suggested even larger ones measuring over 7.5 meters long and weighing about 500 kilograms. The loss of such a rare and colossal snake underscored the importance of protecting endangered species like green anacondas through conservation efforts.
