Quest

Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)

Burmese pythons are the third largest snake species in the world. They grow at an astounding rate, often reaching more than 6ft in their first year, reaching adult size, and sexual maturity, by the ripe old age of about 4. A well cared for individual may have a life expectancy of 20 years or more. They will attain an average length of about 12-15ft with some individuals exceeding 17ft, and can weigh more than 100lbs. As with many reptiles, females are generally larger than males. Burmese pythons are native to Southern and Southeast Asia.

Monte

Argentine black and white Tegu (Salvator merianae)

Tegus are large omnivorous lizards in the Teiidae family found in East and Central South America. Tegus can live 15-20 years in the wild, possibly longer in a well suited captive environment, and will reach an adult length of around 4ft. Tegus will consume a variety of insects and invertebrates as well as fish, birds, rodents, fruits, seeds, and eggs, though eggs should be cooked to avoid issues with biotin deficiency caused by avidin binding which can be fatal. Like most lizards, Tegus require UV light exposure, either sunlight or appropriate bulbs, for proper vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D is essential for Calcium metabolism, without it metabolic bone disease can develop which is potentially fatal.  Tegus are cousins to the whip-tail lizards found here in the Southwestern deserts. Tegus have sharp teeth, a strong jaw and can deliver a very painful bite. However they are highly intelligent and can learn to appreciate, and even develop affection for their keepers with proper attention and handling.

Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, and kids (Hercules, Athena, and Thor)

 Ball Pythons (Python regius)

Ball pythons are one of the most common snakes in the pet trade due to their smaller size and generally good disposition. Ball pythons are the smallest of the African pythons, with adult females topping out around 6ft in length. The oldest recorded captive ball python lived nearly 50 years! (my oldest female has been with me more than 25yrs so far) Also sometimes called Royal pythons due to the fact that they were revered by many African tribes and even worn as adornments by their leaders. They have been extensively bred for abberant morphological mutations or “morphs” as they’re called by herpetoculturalists. There are currently close to 4000 recognized ball python morphs with more being bred every year.

Nyoka

Kenyan Sand Boa (Gongylophis colubrinus)

A small, shy member of the Boa family endemic to northern Kenya and nearby desert regions. Adults rarely exceed 3ft in length, and spend most of their time hidden in the sand with only their head exposed, waiting to ambush any small mammals that should wander too close. One of the few Viviparous or “live birthing” species of snakes, females birth 10-20 young at a time in late summer. The offspring average 8-10 inches, and like all reptiles are precocial, meaning they can fend for themselves almost immediately after birth/hatching.