Chehaw is home to two ball pythons named Slinky and Po!

Ball pythons, also known as royal pythons, are a gentle and fascinating snake native to the savannahs and grasslands of West and Central Africa. Known for their beautiful patterned skin and calm temperament, these snakes get their name from their unique defense behavior: when frightened, they curl into a tight ball with their head protected in the center in a “royal” way to stay safe!

Ball pythons play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling populations of rodents and other small mammals. By keeping these populations in check, they help maintain the balance of their habitats and support overall ecosystem health.

At Chehaw, our ball pythons teach visitors about snake adaptations, behavior, and the important roles these reptiles play in nature. Watching them coil up and explore shows that even a small, non-venomous snake can be full of personality, intelligence, and purpose in the wild.