The phenomenon went viral in China after the release of Zootopia 2: The new animated character, Gary De’Snake, a blue snake with a positive and responsible character, has inspired many fans to want to buy Indonesian vipers, venomous reptiles that until recently were rarely considered pets. The boundary between passion and risk has thus become blurred, bringing consequences for both humans and the animals involved.
Among the most striking cases is the one documented by CNN by Qi Weihao, a 21-year-old young man from Jiangxi province. Two days after the film’s release, Qi purchased a bamboo viper for around 1,850 yuan (223 euros), saying that Gary’s portrayal in the film had convinced him to take care of a reptile in real life. The boy underlined how the film contributed to improving the image of snakes, making them empathetic figures far from traditional prejudices.
Box office success and cultural impact
Zootopia 2 has set new records: in China it has become the highest-grossing foreign animated film ever, exceeding 3.55 billion yuan (429 million dollars), and globally it has exceeded one billion dollars in takings. The commercial success amplified the pop culture effect, making Gary a reference model for reptile enthusiasts and contributing to the growth of a real online trend.
Dangers and regulations
Despite growing interest, breeding venomous vipers carries real risks. The bamboo viper is venomous and can cause intense pain, swelling and tissue damage. In China, online trade in poisonous animals is banned, but sales and captive breeding fall into a legal gray area. After the phenomenon was reported, many platforms removed the ads, but some channels, such as JD, still had ads with shipping included.
Cinema and fashionable animals: many precedents
Gary’s case is not isolated: cinema has often influenced real behavior. From Dalmatian breeding later 101 Dalmatiansto the interest in clownfish with Finding Nemountil the passion for owls later Harry Potterpopular stories have transformed animals into objects of desire.
However, fascination with a character can lead to impulsive choices, with negative consequences for animals and ecosystems. It is essential to remember that vipers and venomous reptiles are not toys: they need professional care and should not be bred for fashion or emulation or kept in apartments far from their habitat.
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