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Helen Schuler Nature Centre mourns the loss of Sophie the snake

May 7, 2018 | 3:51 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Staff at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre are remembering Sophie the snake, after the reptile died Friday, May 4, following recent health struggles.

In a media release, Sophie was recognized as a dedicated public servant for 10 years, who helped spread awareness and dispelled myths about snakes for visitors to the nature centre.

“There have been countless occasions where Sophie helped our visitors to overcome fears or misconceptions about snakes,” said the centre’s manager, Coreen Putman, in the release. “It was amazing to see her help visitors be more comfortable with local snakes while understanding their role in the community.”

“Sophie was a seventh-generation captive-born snake,” noted nature centre technician, Jessica Deacon-Rogers. “She was a big part of our nature centre family of visitors and volunteers – she will be dearly missed.”

They also made a point of thanking Dr. Kerry Korber and her team at Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic for caring for Sophie during her health issues, along with the volunteers at the nature centre.

Anyone who wants to share their sentiments to Sophie are encouraged to stop by the nature centre and drop off a note to her, which will be put on display for the next month. They noted that flowers are gratefully declined.