Owner of king cobra that escaped speaks to WFTV

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The owner of the king cobra that escaped last month said he’s making sure none of his animals get loose again.

Channel 9’s Ty Russell spoke to the owner of Dragon Ranch and found out what he’s doing to keep his neighbors safe.

“These animals are not pets. There’s no such thing as a pet cobra,” said Mike Kennedy.

His king cobra escaped in September and was caught weeks later.

Kennedy said he never meant for the snake to escape.

“If something gets out, the neighbors and friends, they didn’t sign up for this. I did,” Kennedy said.

The king cobra escaped from a cage that was against a wall.

Kennedy said the cage, which was made of a special type of wood, had water damage and the animal escaped.

He said the animal is now in a safe cage and he’s in the process of building an even stronger enclosure for the snake.

Kennedy’s west Orange County property is home to other animals he rescued or was asked to take care of, like a leopard, crocodiles, and alligators.

Kennedy said he keeps a close eye on the animals and surveillance cameras surround his property.

He said his wife and son check on the animals while he’s at work.

“I’ve been super sympathetic to the concerns because obviously he’s a dangerous animal and people were afraid,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy said he has no plans to rescue more animals.

State wildlife officials are working to revoke Kennedy’s license, but he said he plans to make an appeal.