"So why snakes?"

I get asked all the time, "So why Snakes?" and the answer to me is quite simple.

I was struggling with life (Depression) and realised that I needed something to love (other than my partner at the time), I needed a reason to wake up in the mornings but I also knew that it was far too selfish for me to adopt a cat, dog or a bird that would require my attention and love on a daily basis. It was a difficult situation to be in because I wanted an animal to love but only when I was emotionally capable of giving it.

As much as I'd love to think that I'll wake up bright eye'd and bushy tailed every morning feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the daily tasks of looking after and loving a dog, the reality was that I could barely look after myself. I had to be honest with myself and set realistic requirements.

So my answer to "Why a snake?"... I wanted an animal that didn't require daily love, attention and care.

I had always found snakes to be elegant and beautiful and the little I did know about them, was that they did not require daily attention. So I started researching various snake species. I knew that it was not possible for me to realistically own a large snake (space and handling) so I primarily set my sights on the smaller species.

In the end I fell in love with the all black Mexican Black Kingsnakes and I have never looked back. I gave him water every 2nd or 3rd day, fed him once a week then would check to see if he had defecated or urinated to clean it up. The only time I felt like he needed daily care was when he would go into shed and I'd take him out to soak him a few times a day.

Although I still had bad days, I was so intrigued by Bavaro that he became more important to me than myself. My heart burst with pride when I watched this little long black noodle coming towards me, just so curious about everything I'd put in front of him.

It's now 5 years later and we've both moved from South Africa to England. I still find it so rewarding to live with him. He calms me down when I'm anxious, he curls around my feet when I nap in bed, he always comes over to me while he's free roaming, he can tell my scent apart from others, I could go on and on! He just has so many quirks that everyone whose met him has felt affection towards him.

My partner and I now live with 4 snakes including Bavaro, each with their own personalities and quirks. They bring so much light and laughter to our lives that we couldn't imagine a life without them.