A Cambodian boy, Uorn Sambath, has made an unlikely friend with a 220-pound python snake. The snake, named Chamroeun, which means “progress” crawled into their lives as a baby snake seven years ago, when Uorn was only three months old. According to his parents, Uorn used to sleep together with the snake in his cradle, and learned to crawl with him. Their bizarre bond has turned the pair into a tourist attraction in their remote village.
Local authorities attempted to take the snake to a zoo, but once they saw the child curled up with the snake they relented. The python only eats chicken, about 22 pounds per week, which has become quite a financial strain to the family. Also, the snake could easily crush the little boy, but neither the parents nor Uorn are worried due to their sibling like relationship. Chamroeun is considered a “magical spirit” by the family, which brings them health and happiness.