Watch: Video of kids playing with snake as a skipping rope sparks uproar

In an unsettling turn of events, a video showing children playing with a lifeless snake as a skipping rope has gone viral, raising serious concerns about animal welfare and human behaviour. The footage, recorded in Woorabinda, a remote town in Central Queensland, has sparked outrage, leaving many questioning not only the actions of the children involved but also the supervision they had during the incident. According to 7NEWS, the disturbing footage has caught the attention of both the public and authorities alike.
What happened in Woorabinda?
In the video, which quickly gained attention online, a group of children are seen jumping over a black-headed python, using it as a skipping rope. The snake appears lifeless as the kids laugh and continue with their unusual game. An adult, seemingly supervising the children, is heard asking, “Show me that, show me what it is,” while filming the scene. It's unknown if the snake was alive or dead before the children started jumping over it, but the incident has unsettled many viewers.

Government responds with investigation
After the video gained widespread attention, the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation stepped in to address the situation. A spokesperson for the department expressed strong disapproval, speaking with 7NEWS, “We condemn this inappropriate behaviour and will investigate the incident.” The department made it clear that all animals, whether alive or dead, deserve respect and urged the public to treat wildlife accordingly.
Under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992, black-headed pythons are a protected species, making it illegal to harm or kill them. Authorities have also warned that anyone caught injuring or killing one could be fined up to $12,615.
Watch the video here:

Public outcry and online reactions
As the video continued to spread across social media, reactions flooded in. Many viewers voiced their shock, with one person commenting, “That’s the most bizarre thing I’ve seen in a while,” and another stating, “This is wrong on so many levels.” Some viewers speculated that the children may have been responsible for the snake’s death, with one commenting, “And I bet they’re the ones who killed it.” Another user simply said, “This is not done.”
A call for respect toward animals
This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and respect when it comes to our treatment of animals. Regardless of whether the snake was dead or alive, the use of it as a toy raises serious questions about the values instilled in younger generations and their understanding of wildlife.

Authorities are now investigating the matter, and it’s hoped that this event will serve as a wake-up call for those who may not fully appreciate the legal and ethical responsibilities surrounding animal conservation. Such incidents also offer an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of preserving and respecting our natural world.
While authorities continue their investigation, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater education on wildlife protection and ethical treatment of animals. It also raises important questions about supervision and the values being passed down to younger generations. Whether intentional or not, the act of using a protected species as a plaything underscores the importance of fostering respect for nature. Moving forward, increased awareness and education can help prevent such incidents and ensure that all wildlife—alive or deceased—is treated with the dignity it deserves.