Harold the African Ball Python

Introduction

Reptile Caretaker Needed

San Diego Zoo

You are applying for a job at the San Diego Zoo. The position will be as a caretaker in the reptile exhibit. The specific job description says you will be working with the snake population of the zoo. After interviewing with the reptile exhibit manager, he asks you to demonstrate your knowledge of snakes by creating a plan for caring for the zoo’s resident African Ball Python, Harold.

 

Task

To create a care plan you must complete four tasks.

Task #1 Research

Task #2 Diet and Feeding Plan

Task #3 Ideal Habitat

Task #4 Proper Handling

Process

Task #1 Research

Go to Ball Python and read about African Ball. Then write one paragraph about the African Ball Python from the information you read. Include information about its native habitat and diet needs.

 

Task #2 Diet and Feeding Plan

Go to Feeding Ball Pythons and read about the dietary needs of an African Ball Python. Then create a diet plan and feeding schedule for Harold the Python. The feeding plan should start today, and cover the next three months. Be specific about what you will feed Harold and when (time of day and date) you will feed him.

 

Task #3 Ideal Habitat

Go to Ball Python Habitats and read about the ideal habitat of an African Ball Python. Next, plan and describe the habitat you plan to build for Harold the Python. Include such information as the type of ground cover (dirt, wood chips, etc.), water source (water bowl, pond, running water, etc.) tree cover and hideaways, lighting, and temperature and humidity levels.

 

Task #4 Proper Handling

Go to Reptile Knowledge and read about proper handling of African Ball Pythons. Then list the Do’s and Don’ts of handling Harold the Python.

Evaluation

Each task is worth 25 points.

Proper capitalization, punctuation, and grammar = 20 points

Completion of each task = 40 points

Use of information from websites = 20 points

Proper citing of information = 20 points

Total Points = 100 points

Conclusion

Congratulations! The reptiles manager is impressed with your plan for Harold. He wants to know when you can start!

Credits