Mark Kilby with King Cobra at the Virginia Museum of Natural History's "Reptile Day"

[taylorkelley544]

If I was in there I think I would pass out

[kyreptilezoo]

Reckless behavior and mixed message sent. Luray Zoo doesn't have antivenom for this snake and the children in this video are at risk.

[LittoMoonLight]

I think they took out the vemon glands.

[cinziava]

Anton, along with other venous snakes at the Luray Zoo, still have their venom glands. Note how carefully Mr. Kilby moves and positions himself, does not get in Anton's face, tease him, nor handle him aggressively. Many cobras featured in videos-like being grabbed by babies or in snake shows" in Asia-unfortunately are venomoid, or worse, have their jaws sewn shut to protect the performers. The Luray Zoo never performs either of these procedures on their snakes.

[cinziava]

To continue the reply below - there is always a risk of being bitten, but that chance is greatly minimized by Mr. Kilby's expert handing (he's been doing this for 40 years), knowledge of the animal's behaviors, and control of the environment.

[tango108]

at 2:23 that women took a pic upclose of the cobra! I'm surprise that it did not try to bite her because those snakes are deadly.

[cinziava]

The woman photographer and others were at least 6 feet away from Anton the entire time. Mr. Kilby's expert handling keeps the audience and the animals safe at all times. Anton is a highly trained snake for docile behavior

[chiconspiracy]

They are not aggressive. They will only defend themselves if they feel threatened.

[78046158]

The boys in the background look only slightly more excited than Kenny!