Despite the lack
of new work, Craig continued to promote herself and her work. She was her own
best publicity machine when a fan from Colombia, South America, sent her a
twelve-foot boa constrictor. Rice quickly named the snake Malone and posed with
it for pictures and gave the reptile to a local animal shop. Shortly after
that, the boa gave birth to 72 baby boas, setting a scientific record. Again
Rice posed with the children of Malone as they slithered across her desk,
typewriter, and books. After the photo shoot, the animal keepers had to
dismantle the typewriter to return all of the young snakes back to the pet
store.
I was surprised at the time that a few fans questioned the story. Rice had often told wild tales about her exploits -- couldn't this have been another example of that? I was surprised by the questions. The story had been reported to me as fact, and I had taken it that way.
Fast forward to 2013. Lo and behold, I find a photo that shows Craig, the typewriter and the boa with all of its wriggling progeny. It's not for the weak hearted, for sure.
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