Myanmar monk offers temple sanctuary for threatened snakes

Buddhist monk Wilatha holding a Burmese python at the snake sanctuary. - Reuters

YANGON (Reuters): Tenderly stroking the back of a large Burmese python resting on his lap, Buddhist monk Wilatha is trying to play a part in saving scores of snakes that might otherwise be killed or destined for the black market.

The 69-year-old monk has created a refuge for snakes ranging from pythons to vipers and cobras at the Seikta Thukha TetOo monastery in the bustling commercial city of Yangon.