People visiting a zoo in western Japan have had the opportunity to touch a snake, the Oriental zodiac symbol for 2025.

Gokatsuraike Animal Park in Mie Prefecture has seven snakes. Sunday's event featured a 1.3-meter long female ball python, "Nagini."

Children were briefed by zoo staff about the snake's ecology. They touched the reptile and some of them held its belly.

The animal park provides an opportunity to interact with snakes every Sunday.

A 7-year-old participant said the snake felt rough and squishy to the touch, and she liked it. She added that she wants to learn more about snakes.

Zookeeper Nagano Masaya said people may not have a very good image of snakes, but he hopes to encourage people to try touching them to discover their charms.