As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Year of the Snake 2025 sheds light on an unusual trend among Hong Kong’s Gen Z: keeping snakes as pets. These exotic creatures, admired for their calm demeanor and striking patterns, are increasingly popular due to their low maintenance and unique appeal.
Royce Wong, an 18-year-old who helps at Slave World, a reptile and amphibian pet shop in Mong Kok, highlights the trend. “Many of my classmates keep snakes because they’re actually easy to care for and very chill,” Wong shares. Their intriguing shapes, vivid colorations, and mysterious personalities make them a hit among younger pet owners.
Maggie Chung, a 22-year-old employee at Fishman Shop, another Mong Kok store specializing in reptiles, is a devoted snake enthusiast. “I think they’re really cute, and most pet snakes don’t bite. I particularly love ball pythons; they look so cool,” she says. Ball pythons, also known as royal pythons, are a non-venomous species from Africa. Known for curling into a ball when frightened, these snakes grow to a manageable maximum length of about 182 cm (72 inches), making them ideal for small apartments.
Costs can vary significantly depending on the species. Common snakes like hognoses start at around HK$600 (US$80), while rarer morphs of pythons with unique patterns or colorations can cost thousands. Additionally, setting up an artificial habitat, complete with heating and decor, typically costs between HK$2,000 and HK$3,000.
However, owning a snake isn’t without its challenges. Feeding snakes frozen mice is a major hurdle for many young owners. Matthew Cheong, a 25-year-old who owns two corn snakes, notes, “Storing frozen mice in the fridge is often an issue, especially if family members find it unpleasant.”
Dr. Fiona Woodhouse, deputy director of animal welfare at the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), stresses that time constraints, lack of experience, and changing circumstances can deter potential snake owners. “The main concern is the welfare of the snakes. Keeping them happy and healthy requires careful attention to their needs,” she explains.
While snakes offer a fascinating alternative to traditional pets like cats and dogs, their unique care requirements make them suitable only for those committed to understanding and meeting their needs. For Hong Kong’s adventurous Gen Z, however, these exotic companions are proving irresistible.
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