As the Year of the Snake approaches, a pet store in Taipei is giving customers a one-of-a-kind experience—enjoying coffee while interacting with live snakes. With Taiwan covered in snake-themed decorations to celebrate the Lunar New Year, this initiative aims to change perceptions and foster appreciation for these misunderstood reptiles.
In traditional Chinese and Taiwanese culture, the snake carries mixed symbolism. While some view it as an omen of misfortune, others revere it as a guardian spirit. Many of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes hold deep respect for snakes, believing them to be protective beings. Although the island is home to venomous species such as vipers and cobras, fatalities are rare thanks to widespread access to anti-venom.
Since opening in 2017, Pythonism, a Taipei-based pet store specializing in snakes, has provided a safe and controlled environment for people to experience these animals up close. Owner Luo Chih-yu, 42, hopes to dispel fear and misconceptions by allowing visitors to interact with snakes while enjoying a cup of coffee.
“I provide a space for people to try and experience, finding out whether they like them without any prejudice,” Luo explains. He believes that many people fear snakes due to cultural stigma and lack of exposure, rather than any real threat.
One customer, Liu Ting-chih, brought his daughter to Pythonism for an educational experience. Watching her curiously observe the snakes in their enclosures, he remarked, “Through this activity, she can learn how to take care of small animals and cherish them.” Luo emphasizes that, contrary to common belief, snakes are gentle creatures when handled properly and can even form bonds with their owners.
Taiwan’s sub-tropical climate and mountainous terrain make it a biodiversity hotspot, home to around 60 native snake species. Some, like the Taiwan beauty rat snake, are non-venomous and popular as pets, while others, such as the hundred-pace viper, play an essential role in local ecosystems.
Through experiences like Pythonism’s snake café, more people in Taiwan are beginning to see these fascinating creatures in a new light. As the Year of the Snake begins, Luo hopes to encourage even more visitors to overcome their fears and appreciate snakes for their beauty, uniqueness, and ecological importance.
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