Prince
Royal python
Python regius
Born:
2002
West and Central Africa
Native range:
My story:
Prince came to live with James through the RSPCA when he was three years old. It quickly became clear that he was an exceptionally gentle and relaxed snake, and he has become one of the friendliest members of the Wriggly Roadshow family.
Prince is very much a creature of routine. During the day, he can usually be found curled up and snoozing inside his favourite cave. As evening arrives, he emerges to explore, slowly investigating his surroundings and using regular flicks of his tongue to collect scents from around his enclosure. He is never in a hurry, preferring to examine everything in his own calm and deliberate way.
Prince also has an excellent appetite and particularly enjoys quail and young guinea pigs. His steady movements and wonderfully calm temperament make him an excellent ambassador for his species, especially when meeting people who initially feel nervous around snakes. Prince helps demonstrate that these fascinating reptiles can be gentle, inquisitive and full of individual character.
Did you know?
Female royal pythons coil tightly around their eggs throughout incubation, creating a living nest. Research has shown that this maternal brooding helps prevent the eggs from losing too much water and substantially improves their chances of hatching—so her coils provide much more than protection from predators.