What does it take for many people to understand the value and importance of each species of mammal, bird, fish and reptile in nature, including the much demonised snake?

Animals in captivity may serve as ambassadors for their wild and threatened kin, provided they are properly taken care of with regards to living space, food and stimulance that will assure them a mentally and physically healthy life.

At the Oslo Reptile Park, many visitors learn for the first time that snakes are not slimy, that not all snakes can or wish to kill you, and that snakes ususally will not bite a human unless they are surprised or provoked. And did you know that snakes, like the ball python above, have individual personalities, just like humans do?

Snakes regulate the number of rodents, frogs, birds and other populous species that humans otherwise would have a very difficult time regulating without the snake – although introducing a non-indigenous species into a new environment may upset the existing balance and lead to mass-extinction among the native species.

Maintaining a snakes natural habitat and a healthy snake population is vital. And sometimes the only way we can understand the value and importance of something is if we can see, touch and feel it ourselves.

Photo credit: Britt Embry