Diss snake lover Jenna Lingwood tells owners to think before they buy after being left with three foot albino ball python

A snake enthusiast who has been left with an abandoned python has urged prospective pet owners to think before they buy.

Jenna Lingwood is on the hunt for a home for an albino ball python – which had been discovered by her friend in an abandoned flat.

The 30-year-old does not have the space nor the resources to keep the three-and-a-half-foot snake herself – she already has one other ball python and two boa constrictors – but is raising money to ensure she can care for it whilst it gets back to health.

“My friend found it in Essex – it had been completely abandoned, so she called me as she knew I could help,” said Miss Lingwood, who runs Jenna’s Curios Cabinet, an online antique and giftware store.

“Unfortunately due to finances I couldn’t keep it myself but I didn’t want to see a snake go without just because some people aren’t doing their research, so I thought I would step in. The problem is that when people buy snakes they don’t consider everything that comes with it.

“They are very expensive animals. People don’t consider the feeding, they don’t consider what housing they are going to need. That’s why they get abandoned. People need to do their research. Think about how long the animal lives for and what space they are going to need.”

Miss Lingwood has set up a fundraising page to pay for the snake’s equipment to ensure it is properly cared for when it finds a new owner.

Since setting the page up, she has raised more than £300 – easily exceeding her initial £250 target. The money will buy a vivarium, thermostat, light bulbs and a cage.

Currently the snake is being kept in a plastic tub at Miss Lingwood’s home, in Pursehouse Way, as she waits for the equipment to arrive.

“Because it’s under-weight, I’m going to spend some time getting it back to health before I find a suitable person to to care of it,” added Miss Lingwood.

She has yet to determine the sex of the animal, nor has she given it a name. Instead she is allowing donors to nominate names before pulling one out of the hat.

“It’s got a really nice temperament,” she added. “It’s not being aggressive, it’s quite timid. I have handled it and it seems fine when it’s out. I think it’s going to be a real lovely snake.”

To donate to Miss Lingwood’s fundraiser, click here.