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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Nile Crocodile
Latin Name:  Crocodylus niloticus
Age:  Nile crocodiles can live 70–100 years in the wild and often longer in captivity with excellent care.
Size:  Adults typically reach 3.5–5 m in length and weigh 225–750 kg, with males generally larger than females.
Food:  They eat fish, birds, mammals and carrion. In captivity they receive a balanced diet of meat, fish and occasional whole prey.
Country/Area of Origin:  Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa in rivers, lakes, marshes and estuaries.

Nile crocodiles are among the largest and most powerful reptiles on Earth. They are ambush predators with incredibly strong jaws and an armoured body perfectly adapted for both water and land.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Brown House Snake
Latin Name:  Boaedon capensis
Age:  Brown house snakes can live 15–25 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  Adults typically reach 60–120 cm in length, with females generally larger than males.
Food:  They primarily eat small rodents, lizards and occasionally small birds or amphibians.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to southern and eastern Africa, commonly found in urban and rural areas across South Africa.

Brown house snakes are non-venomous, nocturnal constrictors that are often found living near human dwellings – hence their common name. They are excellent climbers and very secretive, making them masters of camouflage.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Olive House Snake
Latin Name: Lycodonomorphus inornatus
Age: 15–20 years in captivity
Size: 60–100 cm
Food: Small mammals, lizards, and frogs; mice in captivity
Country/Area of Origin: Southern and eastern Africa

Olive house snakes are slender, non-venomous snakes with a smooth olive to dark brown colouring. They are nocturnal, docile, and highly adaptable, often found around human settlements where they help control rodent populations.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Red-Lipped Snake (Herald snake)
Latin Name: Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia
Age: 10–15 years in captivity
Size: 40–75 cm
Food: Frogs and toads
Country/Area of Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe

Red-lipped snakes are small, distinctively marked snakes named for their striking red or orange lip scales. Semi-venomous but not considered dangerous to humans, they are nocturnal hunters most commonly found near wetlands, streams, and marshy areas.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  African Grey Parrot
Latin Name:  Psittacus erithacus
Age:  African grey parrots can live 40–60 years (or longer) in captivity with excellent care.
Size:  Up to 33 cm in length, with an adult weight of approximately 400 grams. They are the largest parrot species native to Africa.
Food:  In captivity, a balanced diet includes high-quality pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and supplements like calcium and Vitamin D3 to prevent deficiencies.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa.

African grey parrots are among the most intelligent birds in the world, famous for their exceptional ability to mimic human speech and sounds with uncanny accuracy. They are highly social, curious and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their caretakers.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Boomslang
Latin Name:  Dispholidus typus
Age:  Boomslangs can live 15-25 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  Adults reach 1–1.6 m in length, with males often more colourful than females.
Food:  They eat chameleons, lizards, birds, eggs and small mammals; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to sub-Saharan Africa, found in savannas, woodlands and forests.

Boomslangs are highly venomous rear-fanged snakes with a potent haemotoxic venom. Females are brown, Males across Africa are Green but on the southern most parts of South Africa males are black and yellow. They are passive snakes with excellent camouflage and arboreal habits.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Cape Cobra
Latin Name:  Naja nivea
Age:  Cape cobras can live 20–25 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  Adults typically reach 1.2–1.8 m in length.
Food:  They eat small mammals, birds, lizards, eggs and other snakes; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to southern Africa, found in dry savannas, grasslands and semi-deserts.

Cape cobras are highly venomous elapids known for their speed, potent neurotoxic venom and remarkable colour variation – ranging from butter-yellow to brown, speckled or banded patterns. They are born uniform and develop their distinctive colours as they mature, which is why they have so many Afrikaans names based on appearance. They are alert, quick-moving, diurnal hunters that often stand their ground when threatened, making them one of the more dangerous snakes in the region.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Forest Cobra
Latin Name:  Naja melanoleuca / subfulva
Age:  Forest cobras can live 20–25 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 2–2.7 m in length.
Food:  They eat small mammals, birds, lizards, amphibians, fish and other snakes; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to forests and savannas of West and Central Africa.

Forest cobras are large, highly venomous snakes adapted to forested habitats.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Puff Adder
Latin Name:  Bitis arietans
Size:  Adults reach up to 1.5 m in length, with a thick, heavy body.
Lifespan:  15–25 years in captivity with proper care.
Food:  Rodents, amphibians, small birds and lizards; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, found in savannas, grasslands and rocky areas.

Puff adders are one of Africa’s most widespread and dangerous venomous snakes, known for their potent cytotoxic venom, causing necrosis, intensive swelling and pain. They are responsible for more snakebite incidents in Africa than any other species due to their habit of basking on paths. They are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and patience. They are easily identified by their thick body, triangular head and a series of 'V' patterns extending down its spine.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Night Adder
Latin Name:  Causus rhombeatus
Size:  Adults reach 60–100 cm in length.
Lifespan:  10–15 years in captivity.
Food:  Primarily toads and frogs.
Country/Area of Origin:  Southern and eastern Africa, found in moist savannas and wetlands.

Night adders are venomous snakes named for their nocturnal habits and preference for amphibians. They are easily identified by the single 'V' on the back of their heads. Their venom does not require anti-venom but medical intervention will be required if bitten.  They play an important role in controlling frog and toad populations.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Skaapsteker (Spotted Grass Snake / Spotted Skaapsteker)
Latin Name:  Philothamnus semivariegatus (Spotted) / Psammophylax rhombeatus (Rhombic)
Size:  Adults reach 60–130 cm in length.
Lifespan:  15–20 years in captivity.
Food:  Lizards, small rodents, birds and eggs; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Southern Africa, found in grasslands, bushveld and rocky areas.

Skaapstekers are harmless, rear-fanged, semi-venomous snakes known for their agility and beautiful patterns. The name “skaapsteker” (sheep stabber) comes from folklore, but they pose no threat to livestock or humans. They are excellent climbers and often found hunting lizards in bushes and trees.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Mole Snake
Latin Name:  Pseudaspis cana
Size:  Adults reach 1–3.0 m in length.
Lifespan:  20–25 years in captivity.
Food:  Primarily mole rats and other small rodents; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Southern Africa, found in sandy soils, grasslands and farmlands.

Mole snakes are powerful, non-venomous constrictors specialised for hunting underground prey like mole rats. As juveniles they are mottled in colour. Upon maturity they can be black or dark brown in colour. They are excellent burrowers and play an important role in controlling rodent populations in agricultural areas.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Red-Lipped Snake (Herald Snake)
Latin Name:  Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia
Size:  Adults reach 50–75 cm in length.
Lifespan:  10–15 years in captivity.
Food:  Primarily frogs and toads
Country/Area of Origin:  Southern and eastern Africa, found in moist savannas and grasslands.

Red-lipped snakes are small, semi-venomous rear-fanged snakes named for their bright red or orange upper lip. They are nocturnal hunters specialising in frogs and toads. Their venom is weak and not medically significant to humans, but they are effective predators of amphibians.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Western Natal Green Snake
Latin Name:  Philothamnus occidentalis
Size:  Adults reach 60–100 cm in length.
Lifespan:  10–15 years in captivity.
Food:  Lizards, small frogs, tadpoles and fish.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to southern Africa, found in coastal forests and thickets.

Western Natal green snakes are slender, bright green, non-venomous colubrids perfectly camouflaged in foliage. They are agile climbers and diurnal hunters specialising in lizards and small prey. Their vivid colour and graceful movement make them a favourite among visitors.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Snouted Cobra
Latin Name:  Naja annulifera
Age:  Snouted cobras can live 20–25 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 1.2–2 m in length.
Food:  They eat small mammals, birds, lizards, eggs and other snakes; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to southern and eastern Africa, found in savannas and woodlands.

Snouted cobras are large, highly venomous elapids named for their distinctive pointed snout. They are born uniform in colour and either develop bold bands or remain plain as they mature. They are powerful and defensive when threatened, delivering potent neurotoxic venom through bites rather than spitting.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Rock Monitor
Latin Name:  Varanus albigularis
Age:  Rock monitors can live 15–20 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 0.8–1.5 m in length.
Food:  They eat insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, carrion and snakes; in captivity they receive a varied diet.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to southern and eastern Africa, found in rocky areas and savannas.

Rock monitors are intelligent, opportunistic lizards known for their strong limbs and keen senses.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Gaboon Adder (Gaboon Viper)
Latin Name:  Bitis gabonica
Size:  Adults reach 1.2-2 m in length.
Lifespan:  Up to 20 years or more in captivity.
Food:  Ambush predators that eat small to medium mammals (including rabbits and monkeys), birds, and amphibians.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to sub-Saharan Africa, in rainforests, savannas, and moist tropical habitats from West to East Africa.

Gaboon adders are among the heaviest adders, possessing the longest fangs of any snake and exceptional leaf-like camouflage patterns. They are highly venomous, with a potent cocktail venom (cytotoxic and neurotoxic).  They prefer leaf litter in forested or woodland areas.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Green Mamba
Latin Name:  Dendroaspis angusticeps
Age:  Green mambas can live 20–25 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 2 m in length.
Food:  They eat birds, small mammals and lizards; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to coastal forests of eastern South Africa and Mozambique.

Green mambas are highly venomous, arboreal snakes with bright green scales and excellent camouflage in foliage.  Fast moving, diurnal hunters.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Mozambique Spitting Cobra
Latin Name:  Naja mossambica
Age:  Mozambique spitting cobras can live 20–25 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 1.2 m in length.
Food:  They eat small mammals, birds, lizards, eggs and other snakes; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to southern and eastern Africa, found in savannas and woodlands.

Mozambique spitting cobras are highly venomous and can spit venom up to 3 m with remarkable accuracy to defend themselves.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Black Mamba
Latin Name:  Dendroaspis polylepis
Age:  Black mambas can live 20–30 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  Adults reach 2–4.0 m in length, making them one of the longest venomous snakes in Africa.
Food:  They eat small mammals and birds; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to eastern and southern Africa, found in savannas, woodlands and rocky areas.

Black mambas are among the fastest and most venomous snakes in the world, capable of short bursts up to 20 km/h.

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In the dome, we house a variety of both indigenous and exotic snakes.  These smaller species are better suited indoors as they would not be visible in our large outdoor enclosures.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  King Cobra
Latin Name:  Ophiophagus hannah
Age:  King cobras can live 20–30 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 3–5.5 m in length, making them the longest venomous snake in the world.
Food:  They only eat other snakes
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to forests and grasslands of Southeast Asia.

King cobras are the longest venomous snakes and are known for building nests and guarding eggs.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Spectacled Cobra
Latin Name:  Naja naja naja
Age:  Spectacled cobras can live 20–25 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults reach 1.2–2 m in length.
Food:  They eat rodents, birds, lizards, eggs and other snakes; in captivity they receive rodents.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Spectacled cobras are highly venomous snakes known for their distinctive eye-like markings on the hood.  Often used by snake charmers.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Yellow Anaconda
Latin Name:  Eunectes notaeus
Age:  Anacondas can live 30–50 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  Females can exceed 4 m in length and weigh over 200 kg, making them one of the heaviest snakes in the world.
Food:  They eat large prey like capybaras, caimans, and mammals; in captivity they receive rabbits and chickens.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to South America, found in swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.

Yellow anaconda is a large, non-venomous boa endemic to South America, known for its yellow-green skin with black spots. Primarily aquatic, these constrictors are smaller than green anacondas. They are ambush predators hunting fish, birds, and mammals.
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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Reticulated Python
Latin Name:  Malayan Python (Python reticulatus)
Age:  Reticulated pythons can live 30–50 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  One of the longest snakes in the world, adults can exceed 6 m in length and weigh over 200 kg.
Food:  They eat mammals and birds; in captivity they receive rabbits and chickens.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to Southeast Asia, found in rainforests, swamps and rivers.

Reticulated pythons are the longest snakes on Earth and are known for their striking net-like pattern.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  African Water Monitor
Latin Name:  Varanus niloticus
Size:  Adults reach 1.5-2 m in length (up to 3 m in rare cases).
Lifespan:  20-25 years in captivity (shorter in the wild).
Food:  Opportunistic feeders eating fish, frogs, rodents, birds, eggs, crabs, insects, lizards, carrion and snakes.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to Sub-Saharan Africa

They are excellent swimmers and climbers with a broad diet, often using their powerful tails as weapons or rudders. Females often lay eggs inside active termite mounds for incubation.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Burmese Python (Albino)
Latin Name:  Python bivittatus
Age:  Burmese pythons can live 30–50 years in captivity.
Size:  Adults can reach over 5 m in length and weigh 150-200 kg.
Food:  They eat mammals and birds; in captivity they receive rabbits and chickens.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to Southeast Asia, found in forests, swamps and grasslands.

Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world and are known for their impressive strength and striking patterns (the albino form, like Custard, has a beautiful creamy-yellow colour with white markings). They are powerful constrictors that subdue prey by coiling around it.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Reticulated Python
Latin Name:  Malayan Python (Python reticulatus)
Age:  Reticulated pythons can live 30–50 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  One of the longest snakes in the world, adults can exceed 6 m in length and weigh over 200 kg.
Food:  They eat mammals and birds; in captivity they receive rabbits and chickens.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to Southeast Asia, found in rainforests, swamps and rivers.

Reticulated pythons are the longest snakes on Earth and are known for their striking net-like pattern.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Carpet Python
Latin Name: Morelia spilota
Age: 25–40 years in captivity
Size: 1.5–3 m
Food: Mammals, birds and bats; rodents or rabbits in captivity
Country/Area of Origin: Australia

Carpet pythons are beautiful, mid-sized Australian pythons with intricate patterns and a generally calm temperament.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Boa Constrictor
Latin Name: Boa constrictor
Age: 30–40 years in captivity
Size: 2–4 m
Food: Mammals and birds; rodents or rabbits in captivity
Country/Area of Origin: South America

Boa constrictors are powerful South American constrictors known for their impressive strength and appetite.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Southern African Rock Python
Latin Name:  Python natalensis
Size:  Adults typically reach 4-7 m in length
Lifespan:  Up to 30-50 years
Food:  They eat a wide variety of prey including rodents, hares, birds, bats, monkeys, antelope, monitor lizards, small crocodiles, and even young of larger predators like leopard cubs or hyena pups.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and extending north to parts of Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Southern African rock pythons are among the largest snakes in Africa and the world, heavily built non-venomous constrictors with dark brown bodies and irregular blotches. Females grow significantly larger than males. They inhabit a variety of environments such as rocky outcrops, moist savannas, woodlands, thickets, lowland forests, and areas near water.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Bearded Dragon
Latin Name:  Pogona vitticeps
Size:  Adults reach 40-60 cm in total length (including tail).
Lifespan:  10-15 years in captivity (shorter in the wild).
Food:  Omnivorous – insects, small vertebrates, and vegetation (greens, vegetables, fruits); juveniles eat more protein.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to arid and semi-arid regions of eastern and central Australia.

Bearded dragons are popular pet lizards known for their distinctive "beard" display when threatened or displaying, as well as their basking habits. They inhabit deserts, woodlands, and scrublands.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Leopard Tortoise
Latin Name:  Stigmochelys pardalis
Age:  Leopard tortoises can live 50–100 years or more in captivity with proper care.
Size:  Adults reach 25–45 cm in shell length and weigh 13–18 kg.
Food:  Herbivorous – they eat grasses, weeds, succulents and leafy greens; in captivity they receive a high-fibre diet with calcium supplements.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to eastern and southern Africa, found in savannas and grasslands.

Leopard tortoises are one of the largest mainland tortoise species in Africa, known for their beautiful spotted shells.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal:  Reticulated Python
Latin Name:  Malayan Python (Python reticulatus)
Age:  Reticulated pythons can live 30–50 years in captivity with proper care.
Size:  One of the longest snakes in the world, adults can exceed 6 m in length and weigh over 200 kg.
Food:  They eat mammals and birds; in captivity they receive rabbits and chickens.
Country/Area of Origin:  Native to Southeast Asia, found in rainforests, swamps and rivers.

Reticulated pythons are the longest snakes on Earth and are known for their striking net-like pattern.

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Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Pygmy Goats
Latin Name: Capra aegagrus hircus
Size: ~40–60 cm tall
Lifespan: 10–18 years
Food: Grasses, leaves
Country/Area of Origin: Domestic (African origins)

Playful and hardy grazing animals, popular in petting farms and small holdings.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Leopard Tortoises & Angulated Tortoises
Latin Names: Stigmochelys pardalis (Leopard Tortoise), Chersina angulata (Angulated Tortoise)
Size: Leopard Tortoises up to 70 cm; Angulated Tortoises ~20–25 cm
Lifespan: 50–100+ years
Food: Grasses, succulents
Country/Area of Origin: Leopard Tortoise: eastern/southern Africa; Angulated Tortoise: South Africa

Exceptionally long-lived reptiles, both native to Africa and well suited to warmer climates.

Fact Sheet

Type of Animal: Red-Eared Sliders (Terrapins)
Latin Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Size: Up to 30 cm
Lifespan: 20–40 years
Food: Omnivorous — plants, insects, fish
Country/Area of Origin: North America

Semi-aquatic and highly adaptable, Red-Eared Sliders are one of the most widely kept terrapins in the world.

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