Interview with a Keeper – Ava De Jesus – Jurassic Wildlife

What started your passion for reptiles and getting involved in the hobby?

When I was three years old, I was already fascinated with animals. I would catch skinks, geckos, and frogs in my backyard and create enclosures out of cardboard boxes and plastic tubs. This first sparked my curiosity, but my particular interest in reptiles began when I was just six years old. I became fascinated by these beautiful creatures after watching YouTube videos on snakes and spent countless hours researching and learning about them. Around a year after that, I purchased my first pet snake from a local pet store. Currently, I am pursuing my tertiary education in areas such as Herpetology, Veterinary Sciences, Animal Biology, and Animal Behaviour.

What age did you start your journey?

I bought my first snake, a blonde spotted python that I named Wizard whom I still have today, when I was seven years old.

What species do you keep?

I currently keep three species in the Antaresia genus. Spotted pythons, Children’s pythons, and Stimson’s pythons.

What is your favourite species and why?

All the Antaresia species are my absolute favourite. If I had to choose just one from the genus, it would be spotted pythons. Although I do love the lovely nature of Stimson’s pythons and the morph variation in Children’s pythons. Spotted pythons are currently my favourite due to their larger size and beautiful mutations.

Do you breed your animals, and what is your secret?

Yes, I do. I began breeding Antaresia when I had just turned thirteen years old. My business focus is to produce healthy, vibrant, new, and exotic quality morphs for the hobby, and I have many projects planned for the upcoming seasons. I would say my secret is to never give up and to do tons and tons of research. As a reptile keeper/breeder, there will be many ups and downs, but in the end, always keep working towards your ultimate goal. You can never learn too much; there is always something new to discover.

What would you tell your younger self about the hobby?

You are going to make mistakes. Everyone does. Learn and grow from those mistakes and continue to move forward towards your goals.

Any projects you’re working on or towards?

Yes, I have many projects planned, both for the expansion of my business, Jurassic Wildlife, and for morphs and mutations. I am currently in the process of building a purpose-built barn that will house over thirty large enclosures for my adult Antaresia. As for the morphs, I’m working on a chimera/paradox project with my Children’s pythons and spotted pythons, as well as albino and platinum spotted python projects. I also have projects in my Evan’s line WA T+ and tri-colour wheatbelt Stimson’s pythons, among many others.

What is your favourite pairing?

My favourite pairing would probably have to be my very first Antaresia pair I ever put together, a pair of 100% het albino spotted pythons. The very first clutch they ever produced resulted in two paradox/chimera albinos hatching out, and they were both in the same egg. This pairing is definitely one I will be putting together every year, hoping to produce some more paradoxes from it.

Any advice for people wanting to get a reptile as a pet?

Absolutely do it. In my opinion, snakes make the absolute best pets you can have. They are relatively easy to house and feed, and are incredibly interesting to observe. Make sure you do lots of research—read books, websites, and reach out to breeders and keepers. I definitely recommend any species from the Antaresia genus for a first pet reptile, particularly Stimson’s pythons.

Where can people find out more about you and your animals?

You can find what reptiles we have for sale, educational articles, and more about our business, on our website (link below) We are also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter . I am the most active on Instagram out of the three social media platforms. If you are interested in contacting me please DM me on Instagram or email: jurassicwildlife@gmail.com