Veterinarians at Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Wash., have euthanized a 12-foot-long Burmese python because of a spinal fracture.

Zoo officials tell The News Tribune (http://is.gd/tGrPZy) that 27-year-old Odie suffered from severe spinal disease. The zoo said it's not known how the fracture occurred.

The 102-pound snake appeared healthy two weeks ago when he was brought outside to enjoy the sun - it took four people to safely handle him. However, head vet Karen Wolf says the snake wasn't eating recently and was clearly in pain. He was euthanized Tuesday.

Zoo officials say a necropsy found major abnormalities in the snake's bone structure.

Odie had been at the zoo since 1990. A Burmese python's lifespan is 25-30 years.

The zoo says there are no plans to acquire another python.

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Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com