Snake Craze: How Zootopia 2 Sparked a Venomous Trend in China

In China, a new trend is slithering into the spotlight, and it's not what you'd expect. Young people are suddenly keen on owning venomous pit vipers, all thanks to a certain blue snake character from Disney's "Zootopia 2. " The movie, which has become a massive hit, has not only entertained audiences but also inspired a wave of reptile enthusiasm. The Indonesian pit viper, known locally as the "island bamboo pit viper, " has seen a surge in popularity. Online searches and prices for this venomous snake have skyrocketed since the movie's release. Major e-commerce platforms have witnessed a significant uptick in interest, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan. This trend has raised eyebrows and concerns among officials and seasoned reptile owners alike. Qi Weihao, a 21-year-old reptile enthusiast, recently welcomed a blue Indonesian pit viper into his home. Inspired by Gary De'Snake, the charming reptile character from "Zootopia 2, " Qi decided to fulfill his long-time desire to own a blue snake. He hopes that the positive portrayal of reptiles in the movie will help change the public's perception of reptile owners, who often face prejudice for their unconventional pets.However, not everyone is thrilled about this new trend. Chinese state-linked media has warned that the real-life venomous snake is far from the harmless, endearing character depicted in the movie. The potential dangers of owning such creatures have sparked discussions about the responsibilities that come with keeping venomous pets. Despite the concerns, the popularity of reptiles in China continues to grow. By the end of 2024, over 17 million people in the country owned exotic pets, with more than 60% of them being from Generation Z. Snakes, in particular, make up over 50% of all reptiles kept as pets. This growing interest has led to a thriving market, with reptiles being raised and tamed before being sold in physical stores or shipped directly to buyers online. The trend has also led to a crackdown on the sale of venomous animals online. Major platforms like ByteDance's Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Alibaba's Xianyu have removed listings for the blue pit viper. JD, China's largest online retailer, also took down items after being informed of the issue. A JD spokesperson emphasized their strict prohibition on the sale of venomous animals. For those who prefer a safer way to enjoy the "Zootopia 2" craze, snake-themed merchandise is flying off the shelves. Blind boxes featuring the blue snake character and plush toys based on the character are highly sought-after. The Zootopia franchise has also collaborated with over 70 Chinese brands, particularly in the collectibles market, further fueling the trend.