Snakes
BURMESE PYTHON
Romeo
Romeo (2000) is our albino Burmese python. He belonged to a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and was used in his ring entry performance. When he moved from England to the USA he was unable to take Romeo with him. He's a little scared of coming out of his vivarium but, once he's out, he relaxes and is very gentle. At 15 feet (4.6 m) and approximately 20 kilos (44lbs) he's fully grown - thankfully!
The Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is the largest subspecies of the Indian Python and one of the six largest snakes in the world, native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern and Southeast Asia. They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic. Wild individuals average 12 ft (3.7 metres) and individuals over 16 ft (5 metres) are very rare.
There are also dwarf forms on Java, Bali and Sulawesi. At Bali they reach an average length of 6.6 ft (2 metres) and on Sulawesi they achieve a maximum of 8.2 ft (2.5 metres).
Normal Burmese Pythons are dark-coloured snakes with many brown blotches bordered in black down the back. The attractiveness of their skin pattern contributes to their popularity with both reptile keepers. The pattern is similar in colour, but different in actual pattern to the African Rock Python (Python sebae), sometimes resulting in confusion of the two species outside of their natural habitats.
The Burmese Python is frequently captive-bred for colour, pattern and, more recently, size. Its albino form is especially popular and is the most widely available morph.
BOA CONSTRICTOR
Mocha
Mocha (2011) came to us in Autumn 2021 from an owner who could no longer care for her. From the start she was confident and happy to be handled, with a good temperament and a lot of interest in what's going on around her.
The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. It is a member of the family Boidae, found in tropical South America as well as some islands in the Caribbean. Nine subspecies are currently recognised.
The boa constrictor is a large snake, although it is only modestly sized in comparison to other large snakes such as the reticulated python or Burmese python, and can reach lengths from 3 to 13 ft (0.9 to 4 m) depending on the locality and the availability of suitable prey. Clear sexual dimorphism is seen in the species, with females generally being larger in both length and girth than males. The usual size of mature female boas is between 7 and 10 ft (2.1 and 3 m) whereas males are between 6 and 8 ft (1.8 and 2.4 m) in the wild. In captivity, females can reach lengths up to 14 ft (4.3 m).
The boa constrictor is a heavy-bodied snake, and large specimens can weigh up to 27 kg (60 lb). Females, the larger sex, more commonly weigh 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lb). Some specimens of this species can reach or possibly exceed 45 kg (100 lb), although this is not usual. The size and weight of a boa constrictor depends on subspecies, locale, and the availability of suitable prey.
Boa constrictors generally live on their own and do not interact with any other snakes unless they want to mate. They are nocturnal, but they may bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low. As semi-arboreal snakes, young boa constrictors may climb into trees and shrubs to forage; however, they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier. Boa constrictors strike when they perceive a threat. Their bite can be painful, especially from large snakes, but is rarely dangerous to humans. Like all snakes, boa constrictors in a shed cycle are more unpredictable, because the substance that lubricates between the old skin and the new makes their eyes appear milky, blue, or opaque so that the snake cannot see very well, causing it to be more defensive than it might otherwise be.
KINGSNAKE
Jet
Jet (adult) is a Mexican Black kingsnake who came to us in 2016, although we had been aware of him for two years previously. He had been spotted on someone's patio in Sutton in two previous summers but had not been caught, but on the third occasion they placed a colander over him and called us.
Kingsnakes are colubrid New Worls constrictors, members of the genus Lampropeltis, which includes milk snakes and four other species. Among these, about 45 subspecies are recognised.
Lampropeltis includes the Greek words for shiny shield. The name is given to them in reference to their smooth, enamel-like dorsal scales. Their common name of "kingsnake" derives from their habit of eating other snakes (such as rattlesnakes). The "king" in the name, as with the king cobra, refers to its preying on other snakes.
Kingsnake species inhabit the Americas from southeastern Canada to southern Ecuador. The several species vary widely in size and colouration. Adult scarlet kingsnakes are typically 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) in length, while the common kingsnake can grow to 1.8 metres (6 ft). Some kingsnakes are colored in muted browns to black, while others are brightly marked in white, reds, yellows, grays, and lavenders that form rings, longitudinal stripes, speckles, and saddle-shaped bands.
Kingsnakes use constriction to kill their prey and tend to be opportunistic in their diet; they eat other snakes including venomous snakes. They also eat lizards, rodents, birds and eggs. The common kingsnake is known to be immune to the venom of other snakes and does eat rattlesnakes, but it is not necessarily immune to the venom of snakes from different localities. Kingsnakes such as the California kingsnake can exert twice as much constriction force relative to body size as rat snakes and pythons. Scientists believe such strong coils may be an adaptation to snake and other reptile prey, which can sustain lower blood-oxygen levels before asphyxiating.
MILK SNAKE
Albus
Albus is an albino milk snake, missing black pigmentation.
In the photograph, taken during Halloween 2018, he was disguised as a milkshake.
Lampropeltis triangulum, commonly known as the milk snake, is a species of kingsnake. The subspecies have strikingly different appearances, and many of them have their own common names. Some authorities suggest that this species could be split into several separate species. They are not venomous to humans. They are distributed from southeastern Canada through most of the continental United States to Central America, south to western Ecuador and northern Venezuela.
Milk snakes commonly exceed 60 cm (24 inches) in total length, with very large specimens known to reach total lengths of 120 to 132 cm (47 to 52 inches). They appear to be one of the smaller species of the kingsnake genus, as adults in the wild apparently average from 38 to 225 g (1.3 to 7.9 oz) in North America and most typically do not exceed a total length of 90 cm (35 inches). Males typically are larger than females in maturity, although females can be bulkier than males similar in length, as well. Generally more tropical populations, from Mexico and further south, reach larger adult sizes than milk snakes living in the temperate zones. They have smooth and shiny scales and their typical colour pattern is alternating bands of red-black-yellow or white-black-red; however, red blotches instead of bands are seen in some populations. Some milk snakes have a striking resemblance to coral snakes, which likely scares away potential predators. Both milk snakes and coral snakes possess transverse bands of red, black, and yellow. Experts now recognise that common mnemonics that people use to distinguish between the deadly coral snake and the harmless milk snake are not 100% reliable; some coral snakes do not have the typical banding colours or patterns. Examples of unreliable mnemonics commonly used are "Red on yellow kill a fellow. Red on black venom lack" or "Red touches black, it's a friend of Jack. Red touches yellow, it's bad for a fellow."
Across the wide range of this species, habitat varies. Typically, milk snakes live in forested regions; however, in some regions, they can be located in open prairies. In various parts across their distribution, milk snakes often live on rocky slopes. In some situations, milk snakes also migrate seasonally, during the winter they move to higher and drier habitats for hibernation and moister habitats for the summer. Milk snakes enter hibernation from late October or November to mid-April. Milk snakes are mostly nocturnal, especially during summer months. They are primarily ground-dwellers and attempt to blend in with ground litter. They tend to be secretive and remain hidden. When threatened, a milk snake will usually first try to escape. If cornered or harassed, it may vibrate its tail and strike energetically, though of course they are non-venomous, have only tiny teeth and their tails lack a rattle. Unless frightened, milk snakes move slowly. They are able to climb and swim.
Young milk snakes typically eat slugs, insects, crickets, and earthworms. Adults' diet frequently includes lizards (especially skinks), and small mammals. Juveniles in the western United States generally feed on small lizards. They are also known to eat birds and their eggs, frogs, fish, and other snakes. They are nocturnal eaters and are often found during the day in old barns and under wood.
An early myth about milk snakes is that they suck cow udders to get the milk. The myth is entirely false, and is discredited by the fact that the milk snake does not have the physical capabilities to suck milk out of a cow. Milk snakes are, however, frequently found in and around barns, making use of their cool and dark environments, and for the easily accessed populations of rodents to feed on. This proximity to barns, and therefore cows, probably gave rise to the myth.
ROYAL PYTHONS
Olive, Amber, Jasper, Marble, Mars, Snickers, Holly, Banana, Lucifer, Ivy, Yorkie, Marshmallow, Cheech, Maya, Atlas, Rolo, Mojo, Whispa, Twix, Fudge, Twig and Noobies I and II
Olive (2008) was given up when her owner became pregnant and felt she could not keep her. She is very much a Daddy's girl, although at around four feet (1.2 m) she can no longer keep warm in Luc's pocket (but she is quite adept at finding other warm places).
Amber (2009) is a 'Yellow Belly' and came to us from a breeder. She did not reach an adequate weight in time to breed and he was not willing to provide food, heating and accommodation for another year before the next breeding season. Amber is very confident and loves being handled. She's still growing at three and a half feet (1.1 m).
Jasper (2002) is a 'Cinnamon' and is the second of the snakes given to us by a friend who could not devote enough time to them. He can be a little quiet but is rather determined. He's around 4 feet (1.25 m) long.
Marble (2007) is a Shatter Pastel python. He's another snake that came to us from a breeder. He has a history of respiratory illness and escape - both of which we have encountered before! At around three and a half feet (1.1 m), he's got just a little more growing to do.
Mars and her brother Snickers (2004) belonged to someone in the military who was posted overseas who left them with his family to look after. Unfortunately they did not like feeding them, so when they came to us they had not eaten for a year. They went to their first show with us un-named, and one of the first people to meet them was a child who could not say 'snakey' but instead said 'snickey' - so that snake was immediately named Snickers and his sister was obviously Mars.
Photograph of Mars by Amy Wood
Snickers (2004) is Mars' brother and came from the same home. He recovered well from his ordeal and quickly regained his weight. For thee years he was fostered by one of our volunteers, but returned to us when she left for university. He's easily identifiable by a flash of bright white on his side.
Holly (2010) came to us from a friend who decided to specialise is different species of snakes. She was a little shy at first, but is fine once she gets into the swing of things.
Banana was one of a number of animals that came to us from someone who was facing eviction. He's a banana morph (hence the name) and very popular, so it's lucky that he's not shy about tucking himself into a ball when he's tired, so we know to give him a rest.
Photograph of Banana by Emma Lopes
Lucifer is another snake from the same owner as Banana. He's a leucistic royal python (which means he has a loss of much of his pigmentation, leaving him almost totally white) with blue eyes. Another popular snake and easy to handle, and not as frightening as his name would lead you to believe.
Ivy (1992) is one of our oldest snakes, but still has quite a few years left. Along with another royal python, Fudge, she came from a family who were moving and did not have room for her in their new home.
Yorkie (1994) is another oldie, and has normal colouration. He was a school snake until one of the teachers decided he wasn't being properly cared for and took him home. It was only when that teacher was a few years into retirement and was spending several months each year out of the country that he came to us, on the understanding that he would be used for educational work.
Marshmallow (adult) is another of the "eviction" snakes. He's a Super Enchi Spider morph and a good handler.
Cheech (adult) is a normal patterned royal, and another of the "eviction" snakes. He reacts well with people and can be a little inquisitive at times.
Maya (2012) is a Super Cinnamon morph, making her almost solid dark brown. She came from a long-time keeper who was facing ill-health and could not give his snakes the attention they deserved. She adores our handler Emma. She's also unusual in that she chooses to keep the two forks of her tongue together, although she can separate them if she wants to.
Atlas (2010) came from the same long-term keeper as Maya. He's a Firefly morph, and a good, reliable snake.
Photograph of Atlas by Steve Jones, Bromley Camera Club
Rolo has normal colouration, and is another of the "eviction" snakes. His small size and even temperament make him a good snake for nervous or young people to hold.
Mojo is a hypo pastel mojave morph, who loves to be active and can be a bit of a handful. He was one of the collection of snakes from a person facing eviction.
Whispa, also one of the collection of snakes from a person facing eviction, is a Lesser Phantom morph, and is a confident and outgoing snake.
Twix is the last of the "eviction" snakes, and has normal colouration. He doesn't go out to shows very often, but is happy to be handled and is reliable.
Fudge (adult) was one of two royal pythons which came from a family who were moving and did not have room for them in their new home. He's easy-going and friendly.
Twig (2015?) was bought for a child who "really wanted a snake" and came to us about two years later when the novelty wore off.
Noobies I and II are awaiting naming, which will probably come about when they meet our volunteer handlers. Both with natural colouration, they were pets whose teenage owners lost interest in them, and the parents didn't want the responsibility of looking after them.
As you can see, the majority of our snakes are Royal Pythons - these are proving very popular with everyone so we will in all likelihood continue to add to our collection here. If you spot one you would particularly like to meet then please request them for your event.
The Royal Python (Python regius) is a non-venomous python species found in Africa. This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in the pet trade. They are also known in the United States as ball pythons. Adults generally do not grow to more than 3 - 4 feet (90–120 cm) in length, although some specimens have reached 5 - 6 feet (150 - 180 cm), but this is very rare. Females tend to be slightly bigger than males.
The build is stocky while the head is relatively small. The scales are smooth and both sexes have spurs on either side of the vent. Although males tend to have larger spurs this is not definitive.
'Yellow bellies' have a deep rich golden yellow colour, blushing that comes from the edgepoint of the belly up to the midpoint of the sides. The belly itself is clear but also has some yellow colouration throughout.
'Cinnamons' are a deep chocolate brown with irregular dorsal patterns, faded sides and a solid white underside.
RETICULATED PYTHON
We don't have a reticulated python at present - but we're confident that one will come along soon
Python reticulatus, is a species of python found in Southeast Asia. Adults can grow to over 8.7 m (28 feet) in length but normally grow to an average of 3-6 m (10–20 feet). They are the world's longest snakes and longest reptile, normally not considered dangerous to humans. In spite of a standing offer of $50,000 for a live, healthy snake over 9.1 metres (30 ft) long by the New York Zoological Society, no attempt to claim this reward has ever been made.
An excellent swimmer, Python reticulatus has been reported far out at sea and has colonized many small islands within its range. The specific name is Latin meaning net-like, or reticulated, and is a reference to the complex geometric color pattern, incorporating different colors. The back typically has a series of irregular diamond shapes which are flanked by smaller markings with light centers. In this species wide range, much variation of size, color, and markings commonly occurs.
The python lives in rain forests, woodland and grassland in areas with nearby streams and lakes. During the early years of the twentieth century it is said to have been common even in busy parts of Bangkok.
Oviparous, females lay between 15 and 80 eggs per clutch. At an optimum incubation temperature of 31–32°C (88–90 °F), the eggs take an average of 88 days to hatch. Hatchlings are at least 2 feet (61 cm) in length.
Increased popularity in the pet trade is due largely to increased efforts in captive breeding and selectively bred mutations such as the "albino" and "tiger" strains. They can make good captives, but keepers should have previous experience with such large constrictors to ensure safety to both animal and keeper.
JUNGLE CARPET PYTHON
Lily
Lily (2013) was "dealer overstock". She's a little nervous on initial handling but soon gets into her stride, and is inquisitive and intelligent. A very pretty snake, she's proving to be a bit of a show-stopper.
CORN SNAKES
Ruby, Garnet, Jelly Baby, Pearl, Magnum, Coral, Cobra, Stumpy, Kevin, Morpheus, Peaches, Orange Blossom Special, Orinoco, Cholet and Wellington
Ruby (2008) and Garnet (2008) came to us from a student who was struggling to feed and heat both himself and the snakes. Often taken out together, Ruby is the darker of the two.
Jelly Baby is pretty much a standard corn snake, and was donated to us following his owner "downsizing" his house and new wife not liking snakes. . He's quite laid back and easy to handle.
Pearl (2010) is a Blizzard corn snake. Her previous owner was new to owning snakes and "took on more than he could manage" - especially when they bred! It seems that she is not phased by anything (including train travel). She's currently around three feet (0.9 m).
Magnum (2003) is one of a number of snakes we took in from an enthusiast who had decided to "simplify his life". At something over six feet (1.8 m) he's the longest corn snake we've ever met. If anything he's a bit too relaxed, but a great old man.
Coral (2003) is another snake from the same home as Magnum. She's clearly been well looked after, and quite happy to be handled by different people.
Cobra is an example of a snake bought for a teenager, who looked after him for a short while until he got bored. He's not the friendliest of animals, and does not come out for public handlings but may be used for specialist teaching.
Stumpy has had a bit of a rough time before he came to us and is missing his tail, but he's a friendly and outgoing snake, and we hope he will be popular with the public.
Kevin is another injured snake, who has received either a burn or bite to his body. However, he seems to have put this behind him and is an easily handling snake. When we mentioned to one of our volunteers handlers that we hadn't found a name for him she put his head on her hand, looked at him for a few seconds, and declared "He looks like a Kevin to me" - so Kevin he is!
Morpheus was owned by a teenage who started to lose interest in him, and his father suggested he should be donated to us before he suffered any neglect. He came to us in beautiful condition, and with a rather cool name.
Peaches is a very pretty amelanistic corn snake who was owned by an animal 'hoarder', and came to us when everything got to be a little too much for her owner.
Orange Blossom Special - Blossom for short - (2008) may be an unfortunate name for a male, but he is named for an American tractor-pull vehicle as much as his amelanistic colouring. He had to be found a new home when his owner's wife became pregnant, and he went through three homes in one weekend before coming to us as his fourth. He's well over four feet (1.25 m).
Orinoco, Cholet and Wellington were each found on Wimbledon Common at different times.
Orinoco was found in 2015 by the Commons' Wildlife and Conservation Officer while he was carrying out part of the annual wildlife recording project; he was, in fact, conducting a reptile survey, but wasn't expecting to find a cornsnake. Despite having potentially been out for some time he's a friendly and confident snake. He was permanently rehomed in 2021.
Cholet was found by a dog walker in October 2019. She's amelanistic (so lacking black pigmentation) and quite relaxed.
Wellington was found in in exactly the same spot as Cholet about six months later. He's Anerythristic, which means he's lacking in red pigment. He's a little bit skittish at the moment, but we hope that he'll settle down with experience as he's such a handsome snake and we'd love to take him to events.
The Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata), is a North American species of Rat Snake that subdues its small prey by constriction. The name "Corn Snake" derives from their natural habitat of cornfields, where they feed on mice and rats. Corn Snakes are found throughout the south eastern and central United States. Their docile nature, reluctance to bite, moderate adult size 4 – 6 feet (1.2 – 1.8 m), attractive pattern, and comparatively simple care make them popular pet snakes. In captivity they live around 15 years old.
Normal or wildtype Corn Snakes are orange with black lines around red coloured saddle markings going down their back with black and white checkered bellies. Regional diversity is found in wild caught Corn Snakes, the most popular being the Miami and Okeetee phases. These are the most commonly seen Corn Snakes.
There are tens of thousands of possible compound morphs. Blizzard Corn Snakes resulted from a corn caught in 1984. Blizzards are a totally white snake with very little to no visible pattern.
Amelanistic corn snakes lack the brown and black pigment that wild corn snakes have. Because of this they can show colours including red, orange, yellow, or white.
WESTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE
Lecter II
Lecter II came to us when his owner's brother had been at university for a year - the owner was too frightened to handle him and, with the brother living away from home, no-one had touched him for ten months. Only around 14 inches (35 cm) long, he's full of bluff and bluster, and will hiss and dummy-strike at anything that moves, but is reasonably calm once being held. In view of both his attitude and the fact that he's mildly venomous he won't be available for public handling, but we intend to use him for specialist education and training.
Western Hognose snakes (Heterodon nasicus) are relatively small, stout-bodied snakes found throughout the Great Plains states of the U.S. from Canada to Mexico. Their colour and pattern is highly variable from subspecies to subspecies, although most specimens appear much like the infamous rattlesnake to the untrained eye. This optical bluff, used in conjunction with a wide array of other clever defense tactics, makes these snakes quite unique among North American serpents.
These snakes get their common name from the modified rostral (nose) scales that are formed in an upturned manner, providing a very "hog-like" look. Additionally, this adaptation makes these snakes adept burrowers, which is a useful skill when hunting or seeking refuge from the elements. Males are considerably smaller than females, with adult lengths rarely exceeding 15-20 inches.
The western hognose snake is primarily diurnal. It is typically a docile snake, although known to be highly aggressive in some individuals. If threatened (or perceiving a threat), it may flatten its neck (much like a cobra), hiss, and make mock strikes if harassed. Occasionally, if stressed enough, it even plays dead. Although it is more common that they will flatten their heads out, some individuals may puff up, filling their throats with air. This is more common with adolescent males.
In the wild, they feed predominately on amphibians, such as large and medium-sized tree frogs, as well as small or medium-sized toads and small lizards. There have been accounts of H. nasicus eating the occasional rodent in the wild as well. Not being a true constrictor, Heterodon bites and chews, driving the rear fangs into the prey as a way of introducing the saliva/"venom" into the bloodstream in order to incapacitate its meal. There have been many cases of hognose snakes in captivity that will not eat for about two to about three/three-and-a-half months, from the months January to mid March. This is because hognose snakes' instinct is to hibernate underground during the winter months.
Although there is still debate whether Heterodon is mildly venomous or non-venemous with toxic saliva, it is generally agreed that the species is indeed venomous. Regardless, the extremely rare bite from this rear-fanged snake is of no medical importance to humans. Symptoms range from negligible to localised slight swelling and itching. As with any animal though, care must be taken not to receive a bite as allergic reactions and infection are always a slight possibility.