Nike the python who had 500 ticks has been released into the wild

The carpet python who was found seconds from death in a swimming pool after being attacked by more than 500 paralysis ticks has been released into the wild after making a full recovery.

The snake, affectionately known as Nike, was found by snake catchers Tony and Brooke Harrison fighting for his life in a backyard pool, in Coolangatta, on the Gold Coast, on January 10. 

Nike was attempting to drown the astounding number of ticks that had latched onto his skin.

Nike was attempting to drown (right) the astounding number of ticks that had latched onto his skin

Nike, was found by snake catchers Tony and Brooke Harrison fighting for his life in a backyard pool, in Coolangatta, and returned to the wild after making a full recovery at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital 

After he was pulled from the water, Nike was taken to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where 511 ticks were removed which ‘left Nike very unwell with anaemia’. 

The snake’s recovery journey enraptured many on social media, who followed his progress keenly.

His condition was updated on the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation Facebook page.

‘We are excited to share that Nike has returned to the wild after making a full recovery!’ the post read.

‘Over the last month Nike has been eating normally, returning to his expected body weight.

‘His blood profile was within normal range as the ticks had caused anaemia and he was showing all normal behaviours and will continue to thrive in the wild.

‘The team at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital would like to thank the world for its concern.’

Nike the carpet python was found covered in more than 500 ticks in a backyard pool in Coolangatta

At the time of Nike’s rescue, he was found to have a ‘nasty infection which may have caused his immobility, allowing the ticks to take advantage of him’. 

Last Wednesday, the Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers (where Nike was transferred), issued an update on the snake’s condition. 

‘Nike is coping well so far, given the state he was in before coming into care with Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers,’ spokeswoman Jasmine Pereira told Daily Mail Australia.  

‘Many more dead ticks have fallen off him since receiving treatment at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, the count increases! His appetite is slowly increasing, although at a much slower pace than a healthy Carpet Python.  

Unfortunately it’s not just snakes that have been targeted by parasites. 

The Wildlife Hospital Foundation revealed that a koala had also suffered a similar fate to Nike, after he was found with covered by 100 ticks last week. 

The furry marsupial required a blood transfusion but the carers are confident the animal will make a complete recovery.

Nike has made a full recovery and has been released into the wild