These are two pictures of Ben taken in January 1981. He is about 5 feet long and weighs about 10 pounds. We are just getting to know each other. A learning process for both of us.
As you can see, I look a little younger too.
Click on pictures to see larger versions
Ben is about 11 feet long and about 45 pounds - in about 1983. Estimated age is about 10 years.
Here are about a few pics at that age. First is a pic of Ben exploring. He grabs me quite tightly to get support not to strangle. Very strong though.
Second is a pic of my dad and nephew.
Ben Goes To School
Linda worked at an elementry school for several years and we brought Ben to class several times. This was quite an experience as many kids had a great fear of snakes and this helped them overcome that fear and learn about these creatures.
Here is one of the students which in few hours changed from being terrified to accepting snakes as friendly. A brave kid. He wouldn't accept one as a pet though.
Ben shows his ability to climb and hang onto a narrow edges.
The date on these two pictures is June 1988.
Ben takes a bath.
Pythons shed their outer skin about every six months. The skin needs water to loosen it and there is usually enough mosture to do this. Sometime he has trouble and needs help. Here he is taking a warm bath to loosen the skin. Looks like fun.
He is full size here - about 13 feet long and weighing 55 pounds.
These pictures were taken in January 2001.
Here are two pictures of Ben and our neighbor Claire.
These pictures were taken in June 2004.
Here are two pictures of a friend of our niece. She met Ben for the first time.
These pictures were taken in August 2004.
