Help us welcome our newest reptile at the Zoo!

We have a sssensational new arrival to introduce you to.  

We recently welcomed an adult male Burmese python to our Zoo. He was brought to us by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) after he was confiscated from someone who did not have the proper permitting to own this reptile. We are happy to be able to give this individual an appropriate home that meets his species’ specific needs and provide him with top-notch medical care and husbandry.    

Burmese pythons are a nonnative and invasive species in the state of Florida. Burmese pythons are one of the largest snake species in the world and are native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Indian, Malaysia and Indonesia. However, when the exotic pet trade introduced this species to Florida, escapes and releases quickly allowed the species to become invasive in the Everglades, where the hot and humid conditions allowed them to thrive. With no natural predators, Burmese pythons have caused significant ecological impacts on the native wildlife, often preying on small mammals and birds.  

It is illegal to own Burmese pythons as pets in Florida, along with several other invasive reptile species. Before you select a pet, be sure to understand where the pet came from and its species-specific needs. If you don’t know where the pet came from, find another source to ensure we work together to stop the illegal pet trade of the animals we all love. 

You may notice that our new reptile does not boast the black and brown coloring of a typical Burmese python. Our new friend has albinism, a trait that is commonly bred into snakes that are a part of the pet trade. While his glittering yellow and white scales are mesmerizing, this genetic mutation can have certain health effects, including increased sensitivity to light and vision problems. Luckily, our team of experts are extremely knowledgeable and will be providing our new friend with the best care possible, ensuring he lives his healthiest life at our Zoo.  

So far, this python has shown off his calm demeanor and will be spending time adjusting to his new home and building a relationship with his animal care team.  Our keepers are still getting to know this boy before dubbing him with an official name.

Our new python occupies the former habitat of two of our beloved late snakes, Burmese python Brittany and African rock python Tsodilo. Both were compassionately euthanized recently due to significant ongoing health concerns. We’re thankful to again be home to another beautiful python and continue to educate guests about this species. 

Make sure to slither by the entrance of our Expedition Africa loop to observe our new scaly friend up close. 

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.