Buddhist monk offers temple refuge for threatened snakes

Serpent sanctuary: Wilatha with a rescued Burmese python at his monastery on the outskirts of 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.