Not An April Fool's Joke, Part One: Google's New York Office Snake Lost, Then Found

What seemed like an obvious April Fool's joke (or, at least, a "Whacking Day" one) by the Razor-scootering, video-game-playing, fine-cafeteria-eating staffers at Google's NYHQ was apparently not one at all: "Kaiser," a three-foot ball Python, went missing in the office Sunday. Office memo via Valleywag: Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 10:24 PM Subject: [Everyone-ny] Pet Snake Missing in NYC office Dear Googlers: The timing of this email could not be more awkward. Over the weekend, a pet snake belonging to a Googler was released from its cage in a 4th floor cubicle near the Tech Stop. The snake is a 3-foot long, brown and grey ball python named Kaiser. Ball pythons are nonvenomous and are commonly kept as pets. Our exterminator, with Google's security team and the snake's owner are searching for it. Should you see the snake, please do not attempt to touch it or pick it up. Call security immediately. Tempting as it might be, this is not an April Fool's joke! We are sending this message to alert you to the situation and to let you know what to do in the event you see the snake. We will send an update to all New York Googlers at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2 and post signs at office entrances. Should you have any particular concerns, please contact your immediate supervisor. As a reminder, the pets policy of Google New York allows only dogs to be brought into the office by Googlers. Permission must be obtained from management before any other type of animal can be brought onto the premises. As of Monday, "Kaiser" was still missing: Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 8:41 AM Subject: [Everyone-ny] Pet Snake still Missing in NY office Dear Googlers: I want to let you all know that Kaiser, the 3-foot ball python, is still missing from its tank on the 4th floor next to the Tech Stop. This morning, we will be putting up signs in the microkitchens with a photograph of a ball python so that you know what Kaiser looks like. Ball pythons tend to be shy and to hide themselves in small, dark spaces, while curled into a ball (hence the name "ball" python). Again, should you spot Kaiser, please contact security immediately. "Come 'ere, little Kaiser." Alas, the happy ending, via Reuters: The snake was found on Monday night, according to company spokeswoman Ellen West. "We are pleased to report that Kaiser was located in the office," West said in a statement. "Kaiser was taken home by his owner and is no longer in the building."

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Not An April Fool's Joke, Part One: Google's New York Office Snake Lost, Then Found

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