Tiger Giving Day: Meet Blue, Auburn’s scaliest ambassador

Blue, an Eastern indigo snake, has become a familiar face for thousands of Auburn students and families. At more than 7 feet long, he is calm, charismatic and plays a special role as an ambassador for one of Alabama’s most endangered species.

Each year, Auburn researchers and partners work to reintroduce the Eastern indigo snake into Conecuh National Forest, where the species had been absent since the 1950s. The work has taken nearly two decades of collaboration with groups across the Southeast.

“The Eastern Indigo Snake's scientific name translates to the emperor of the forest,” said Michelle Simpson, outreach coordinator for the Auburn University Museum of Natural History. “They play a critical role as the top predators in their habitats.”

Reintroduction begins with captive-bred juveniles from Zoo Atlanta and the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation. The snakes are released into Conecuh and monitored by Auburn’s conservation team, the Alabama Natural Heritage Program and other partners.

Back in Auburn, Blue helps tell the story. Through outreach events, school programs and festivals, he has already met more than 10,000 people, including 3,500 just last year.

“Blue is an ambassador for his species and teaches people about the reintroduction program along with the longleaf pine ecosystem the species inhabits,” Simpson said. “He has won over the hearts of so many people.”

For Simpson, working with Blue has been a highlight of her time at the museum.

“Blue is an excellent snake to work with as part of our live ambassador animal collection. They are a very charismatic and docile species,” she said. “My favorite thing about working with snakes is teaching people about them and maybe changing their minds for those that find snakes creepy or fearful, helping to create long-lasting stewards of the earth.”