Zootopia 2’s Gary Sparks Surge in China’s Pit Viper Purchases

The release of Disney’s animated film “Zootopia 2” has sparked a remarkable surge in the popularity of exotic pets in China, particularly the Indonesian pit viper, known locally as the island bamboo pit viper. This phenomenon, which became evident shortly after the film’s premiere on November 26, 2023, has resulted in increased searches and rising prices for these snakes on major Chinese e-commerce platforms.

Gary De’Snake and Rising Interest in Pit Vipers

One of the film’s standout characters, Gary De’Snake, has contributed to this trend. Voiced by Ke Huy Quan, Gary is depicted in the film as a charming and responsible snake, likely inspired by the island bamboo pit viper. The character’s appeal has led many fans, such as Qi Weihao from Jiangxi province, to seek out real-life versions of the snake. Qi invested 1,850 yuan (approximately $260) for his blue snake after becoming enamored with Gary.

Box Office Success of Zootopia 2

“Zootopia 2” has achieved significant commercial success, becoming China’s top-grossing foreign animated film, amassing over 3.55 billion yuan (around $503 million) at the box office. This surpasses the original “Zootopia,” which was released in 2016. Globally, the movie has exceeded $1 billion in box office revenue, according to data from Box Office Mojo.

Impact on Reptile Ownership

The interest in reptile pets is growing among young people in China. Reports indicate that by the end of 2024, more than 17 million individuals in the country owned exotic pets, with the market size nearing 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion). Notably, over 60% of these pet owners belong to Generation Z.

• Snakes constitute more than 50% of all kept reptiles in China.
• Most reptiles are tamed and raised by humans before being sold.

Despite the escalating interest, experts have cautioned potential buyers about the risks associated with owning venomous snakes. Qi, who has experience as a reptile owner, emphasized the importance of having proper knowledge and equipment before acquiring such pets.

Market Restrictions and Safety Concerns

Though raising Indonesian pit vipers is legal, mailing live animals or dangerous items, including those containing toxins, is prohibited under Chinese law. This has resulted in heightened scrutiny over the sale of such snakes online. Major platforms, including JD and Alibaba, have taken action to remove listings of venomous snakes following increased demand triggered by the film.

Merchandising Boom After Zootopia 2 Release

As live snake sales face restrictions, fans of Gary De’Snake have turned to safer, snake-themed merchandise. On platforms like Taobao, items featuring the blue snake character, including blind boxes and plush toys, have rapidly gained popularity. Reports suggest that a worker from Shanghai Disneyland stated that the plushies are currently sold out due to high demand.

In conclusion, the phenomenon surrounding “Zootopia 2” is not limited to cinema. It has penetrated into real-life pet ownership and merchandising, significantly impacting consumer behavior in China’s growing market for exotic animals and related products.