Pythons and caimans among animals found by Spanish police at illegal zoo

Police started investigating after owner died and found 139 species, all classed as invasive or dangerous

Spanish police have recovered dozens of exotic animals, including two caimans, three pythons, eight iguanas and 46 giant African snails, after discovering a private zoo on the Canary island of Gran Canaria.

Officers from the Guardia Civil's environmental division, Seprona, began investigating after hearing that a resident of the central town of San Bartolome de Tirajana had died recently, possibly leaving behind a large and illegal menagerie.