This two-headed snake is very much alive... and thriving

At the East Bay Vivarium in Berkeley, a two-headed California kingsnake has reached an extraordinary milestone: more than six months of life. The snake, of the Lampropeltis getula californiae species, was unveiled to the public on March 26, accompanied by photos, X-rays and a message highlighting its remarkable survival, given the high mortality rate for animals with congenital malformations like bicephaly.

Named Zeke and Angel – one name for each head – the animal was kept out of sight during its early months until caretakers were confident it had overcome the initial risks.

According to vivarium experts, the snake has two skulls fused along a single spine, sharing one set of internal organs, including a heart and digestive system.

One striking feature is that both heads seem to have some control over the body, though Angel clearly dominates its movements. Caretakers explained that this difference could be due to how each head is neurologically connected to the spinal cord. That adds a layer of complexity to the animal’s care and has sparked interest among scientists and reptile enthusiasts alike.

Although only Angel has successfully learned to eat, caretakers report that the snake’s overall health is stable. Zeke may have a problem with its esophagus that prevents swallowing, though it still responds actively to stimuli. This type of cranial duplication occurs when an embryo begins to split into twins but doesn’t complete the process – making cases like this exceptionally rare.

Alex Blancherd, owner of the East Bay Vivarium, expressed optimism about the snake’s long-term prospects, noting that a typical kingsnake can live between 20 and 30 years. Regular veterinary monitoring, constant observation and a carefully maintained environment help support that outlook. While its exact diet hasn’t been disclosed, it’s believed to feed on small rodents, like others of its species.

Two headed snake not for sale

Zeke and Angel will remain at the vivarium as part of the exhibition collection, with no plans for sale. Their case has already become one of the most talked-about in the center, drawing in both curious visitors and herpetology buffs. Still, the vivarium prioritizes the animal’s wellbeing over its continuous public display, to avoid disturbing the environment that has allowed it to thrive.

The unusual case has also drawn interest from the scientific community, especially in the fields of embryology and developmental genetics. While no further studies have been announced, the released images offer a clear view of the snake’s fused skeletal structure. The progress of Zeke and Angel raises fresh questions about developmental biology and the resilience of organisms born with extreme conditions.

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