Last summer, Gordo, an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, met his demise on Matchett Road, but his genetic legacy lives on. According to a local reptile conservation expert, Gordo successfully bred before his passing, resulting in seven baby rattlesnakes that are currently being nurtured for future release in the local area.
Jonathan Choquette, a biologist heading the Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery program at Wildlife Preservation Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the development, noting the significance of the offspring carrying Ojibway genetics. The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, a nearly extinct species in Windsor-Essex with possibly less than 10 remaining, are native to the region and the only venomous snake species in Ontario, classified as critically endangered.
Gordo, a prominent male snake aimed at boosting the population at the Ojibway Prairie Complex, was closely monitored by Choquette’s team. Despite Gordo’s upbringing at Toronto Zoo, his lineage could be traced back to Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes rescued in LaSalle over 25 years ago.
Tragically, Gordo was discovered dead on Matchett Road in September 2025, likely as a result of a vehicular accident, identified by his implanted electronic transmitter. Choquette stressed the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard the dwindling local rattlesnake population.
Before his demise, Gordo had successfully mated with a female named Ashley, as confirmed by Choquette. Earlier this year, it was revealed through an X-ray during a transmitter replacement procedure at Toronto Zoo that Ashley was carrying eggs, demonstrating her pregnancy.
The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, like Ashley, exhibit ovoviviparous reproduction, with the offspring hatching internally and born alive. The young snakes will be kept in captivity until they reach a year in age, after which they are planned for release in the Ojibway Prairie Complex next summer, ensuring Gordo’s legacy endures in Windsor-Essex.
Choquette highlighted the importance of the tallgrass prairie population of Massasauga rattlesnakes in Canada, emphasizing its unique contribution to the country’s natural heritage.