The cobra, which was kept at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens as a case production was today handed over to the nightclub dancer who owns the reptile.

When the pet cobra was handed over to Nirosha Wimalaratne alias Dilani, the reptile was seen wrapping around her hand seemingly happy to be reunited after three months of separation.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate last Thursday directed that the cobra be handed over to the dancer on a bond of Rs.50,000.

The cobra, which was boarded in the snakes’ section was identified her beloved pet in the presence of zoological gardens officers.

Ms. Wimalaratne told the media she was so happy to see her pet after three months.

She said she looking forward to see this cobra’s mother which lives at the Dadamwala Dewala in Kandy.   

In this case, the dancer was charged with cruelty to animals.

Her lawyers had requested that the cobra be handed over to Ms. Wimalaratne.  

The Kollupitiya police had filed a charge sheet against the suspect under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance. Police said the woman had acted to cause unnecessary pain or suffering to a cobra. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)