All six snakelets are busy exploring their new surroundings!

We have a sssweet surprise for our reptile fanatics out there! We recently welcomed six tiger ratsnake snakelets to first-time parents, Tony and Wanda!  

This was our Zoo’s first successful clutch of tiger ratsnake eggs. Wanda laid 12 eggs in early April, with 11 of them showing signs of development. Our team opted to remove the eggs to be safely incubated in the back, increasing their likelihood of success. Female tiger ratsnakes typically lay their eggs in sheltered, warm locations to keep the eggs safe as they develop before leaving the nest behind. This species does not offer parental care.  

Our roughly foot-long snakelets have been busy exploring their big, new world, said Curator of Animals Nicole Payne.  

“Baby snakes don’t eat until after their first shed, as they are using up all the yolk reserves they have stored in their little bodies,” said Nicole. “Getting baby snakes to eat can be a tricky process and requires a lot of patience!  We have a few tricks up our sleeve to increase their interest if they don’t take food right away.” 

These snakelets will stay behind-the-scenes as they continue to grow, and soon they will be heading out soon to fellow organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help spread their genetics and better represent their species in human care. We hope these six individuals will inspire guests across the country to connect with their species and inspire people to make choices that will better protect their disappearing habitats.  

We’ll be sure to share plenty of behind-the-scenes snapshots of these guys on our social media channels, so you get to observe their cuteness before they head out!

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.