Last summer, Gordo, an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, met his demise on Matchett Road, but his genetic lineage lives on. A local expert in reptile conservation reveals that Gordo successfully bred before his passing, resulting in the birth of seven baby rattlesnakes who are now being nurtured for future release into the local habitat.
Jonathan Choquette, a biologist with a PhD leading the Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery program of Wildlife Preservation Canada, expresses enthusiasm for this development, considering it a symbolic event. These offspring, infused with Ojibway genetics, are a significant addition to the dwindling Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake population in Windsor-Essex, where their numbers may be as low as 10 individuals.
The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, native to the region, are the sole venomous snake species in Ontario and are critically endangered statewide. Despite their discreet nature, they can rattle or retreat when threatened, only resorting to biting as a last defense measure.
Gordo, a prominent male specimen brought to the Ojibway Prairie Complex to help revive the population, was affectionately monitored by Choquette’s team. Although Gordo matured at Toronto Zoo, his ancestry can be traced back to rescued Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes in LaSalle over 25 years ago.
Tragically, in September 2025, Gordo was discovered deceased on Matchett Road, likely a victim of a vehicular accident. His identity was confirmed through an implanted electronic transmitter.
Choquette stresses the urgent need to bolster the Massasauga population in Windsor-Essex, where local extinction looms. Prior to Gordo’s demise, he successfully bred with a female named Ashley, confirmed only after an X-ray at Toronto Zoo revealed she was carrying eggs earlier this year.
These Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, being ovoviviparous, meaning their eggs hatch internally leading to live birth, were born this spring at the zoo. The offspring will be kept in captivity until they reach one year old, with plans for their release into the Ojibway Prairie Complex next summer, ensuring Gordo’s legacy endures in the region.
Choquette emphasizes that the Ojibway Prairie Complex houses the sole tallgrass prairie population of Massasauga rattlesnakes in Canada, highlighting its unique significance in preserving Canadian natural heritage.
