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John Berry Reptiles (JBR) is our herpetoculturist* hobby/business. We have been working with, studying, collecting, keeping and breeding hundreds of different reptile species (see my reptile story below) over the last 30 years. We support captive propagation and maintain and breed some of the finest full colour boid (python and boa) mutations, morphs and hybrids in the world. We also sell our surplus animals world wide (see available tab for any current surplus inventory).

We strongly believe that the beauty and incredible diversity seen in the natural world, is an outstanding example of the creative and extravagant nature of almighty God as the giver and source of all life:

" From the beginning of the world, men could see what God is like through the things He has made (His creation). This clearly shows His power that lasts forever. It shows that He is God" Romans 1.20 (NLV)

* An Herpetoculturist is one who keeps reptiles and/or amphibians in captivity, sometimes (but not exclusively) for the purpose of breeding.

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My reptile story :  I’ve had an active interest in wildlife and reptiles since childhood. Growing up in South Africa gave me the opportunity to catch, keep and breed numerous Southern African reptile species, both venomous and non-venomous (I had very understanding parents!).

As a teenager I spent most of my free time working and improving my herpetoculture skills at the Transvaal Snake Park (TSP). At the time TSP housed one of the largest and finest collections of captive reptiles in the world. I eventually joined TSP as a professional herpetologist. I spent several years" milking" venomous snakes (Puff Adders, cobras, mambas and boomslang) educating the public at large, and caring for and helping breed numerous reptiles from all over the globe. This was a fun job !

During this time at TSP we had several notable captive breeding successes, including the first ever captive breeding of Angolan Pythons (Python anchietae), Lesser African Rock Pythons (Python sebae natalensis) & Madagascan Ground Boas (Acrantophis madagascariensis) among others.

My travels then took me to the Nordhardzer Schlange Farm in Schladen, Germany, a private reptile park that provided snake venom to medical research facilities (more cobra & viper venom extraction !!)

After 18mths in Germany and wanting to travel to the Amazon, I needed to raise some additional cash. So I attempted to beat the then 64 day world record “snake sit-in”. This consisted of living in a room with 24 venomous snakes. My good friend, Austin Stevens (Animal Planet’s “Snake Master”) held the world record at that time. I spent 69 days at Dudley Zoo, UK in my “snake room” to claim the crazy title, sharing my space with 12 Asian Cobras (Naja naja), 4 Egyptian Cobras (Naja annulifera) and 8 large Puff Adders (Bitis arietans). At the time it seemed like a good idea, looking back I wouldn’t recommend trying it! (If you work with venomous snake, I strongly urge you to consider where you will spend eternity ... accidents can and do happen !! )

After several more years of travelling to wild places, I switched gears and started working in the computer software industry.  I spent nearly 20 yrs as an IT exec working for several different global software companies in addition to involvement in a number of technology start ups ... lots of fun but way too much business travel !!

Over the years I've maintain my interest and involvement in reptiles and wildlife in general. I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel the globe extensively and to study, photo and capture reptiles on several continents during my all business travels.

Our reptile collection/ business is now based in Bristol, England. (we were previously based in Palm Beach, Florida, USA but relocated to the UK during 2006/07). Our time is now equally split between caring for and breeding high end morphs (with a focus on Central American Boas, Ball/ Royal Pythons and arboreal Pythons & Boas), writing & lecturing, Christian ministry and our technology business interests.

 

 

 

My daughter Jessie, with an Aru Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My youngest daughter Megan with a young Ball/Royal python (Python regius)

 

I've been blessed with a totally supportive wife and two outstanding daughters who share my interests. We are always interested in meeting and hearing from others with similar herpetoculturist or Christian & creation interests.

God bless  <><
John, Mel & the girls (Jessie & Megan)

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" John 3:17 (NKJV)

 

 

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