Huntly’s Deveron Way Care Home residents charmed by ‘gentle and soft’ African royal python snake
Care home residents have been charmed by an ‘incredibly calm and gentle’ snake.
Residents at Huntly’s Deveron Way Care Home were visited by a four-year-old royal python named Higgs.
The home’s residents were given the opportunity to meet the exotic guest, native to Africa, who is owned by activities coordinator James Hayes.
Although a few residents were a bit unsure at first, most were eager to get up close with the royal python, touching and holding him.
James, meanwhile, answered questions about his care, diet and temperament.
James said: “We are used to having animal visitors - dogs, lambs, ponies, kittens - but never snakes!
“Although there was some initial hesitation from a few, the majority of our residents were happy to hold Higgs.
“He was incredibly calm and gentle, and everyone commented on how soft he was.
“He will definitely be back for another visit in the future.”
Royal pythons - also known as ball pythons - are native to west and central Africa. They are the smallest species of African python.
The non-venomous snakes can grow to 182cm (around six foot) and live in grasslands and open forests.
