Aquariums & Snakes that Eat Cleaners

A plucky zoo cleaner has fought off a python which tried to swallow her in its enclosure.
Cleaner Renate Kaiser, 33, was mopping the floor of the giant tiger python's enclosure at the zoo in Uhldingen, Germany, when it attacked. The 14ft long snake which has about 70 sharp teeth and weighs eight stones (50 Kilo), launched a lightning attack on Ms Kaiser's head, according to German media. A policeman said: "The snake had its jaws around her face. She was in danger of slithering down its gullet." But the brave cleaner fought back. As its powerful coils began to encircle her. She dug her thumbs into its mouth while zoo staff poured buckets of warm water down its throat. It became disorientated and released her. The effect of the water dulled the snake's sense of smell, while the thumbs rammed in its mouth caused it pain. According to the German media, the python, from Africa, can swallow antelopes and other large animals. Ms Kaiser was treated for bites and shock in hospital.

Aquarium window cleaners have been featured before on this blog. And also other window cleaners that work in Zoo's. Here are a few few video's to capture some of the moments. The first video features the actress Sung Yu Ri in a Korean TV drama titled "One Fine Day."

Hemlock scuba diver Don Storck, 67, volunteered his time to clean the underwater windows in the Wetland Pond exhibit at The Children's Zoo at Celebration Square in Saginaw. Over the winter a thick layer of algae had grown on the windows making it impossible to view the pond life.

A Georgia Aquarium shows its cleaner in action with added sound effects..

Finally the Atlantis aquarium in Dubai..

Hagenbeck Zoo, Hamburg, Germany. Now robots..

Desperately Seeking Robots

Sweden: Charlotte seeks robot window cleaner.

Robots may already be capable of cleaning and entertaining, but Charlotte Brogren's job is to decide what they will be able to do in the future. As development manager for ABB Robotics, Brogren works hand in hand with technicians and programmers to push the limits of robot technology. "We have strong cooperation with our internal research group, but also with colleges and universities all over the world," she says. When it comes to investment in robot development, Japan and Korea are the major players. "There is a lot happening in Japan of course but we in Sweden are right up there," says Broberg. The 44-year-old mother of three expects robots to play an ever more active role in our daily lives, relieving people of many menial tasks. "Before people used to harvest by hand. We're just moving along the value chain," she says. And Broberg practices what she preaches, with a series of robots keeping her company at home, including one that can play air guitar and stand on its head. But her dream robot is somewhat less glamorous. "Right now I'm looking for one that can clean windows," she says.