The votes are in.
The people have spoken.
And Amazement’s newest resident — our stunning Clown Pied Ball Python— is officially called…
William Snakespeare!
Chosen by you, our amazing community, in our recent naming competition — and honestly? It’s perfect. William Snakespeare has been trying it on all week, and we can confirm: it suits them beautifully.
Thank you to every family who entered. The back-seat brainstorms, the dinner-table debates, the names that were almost too silly to submit (we read every single one, and we loved them) — this is what makes our little park community so special.
Now, let’s properly introduce you to the snake behind the name.
Who exactly is William Snakespeare?
Only the most charming new resident on the Central Coast.
William Snakespeare is a Clown Pied Ball Python — gorgeous patterned scales, calm curious nature, and the kind of gentle, slow-motion charisma that turns “Ewww, a snake!” into “Mum, can we get one?” in about ninety seconds flat.
And there’s plenty more to love. Five fun facts to share on the drive to the park:
- Clown Pied Ball Pythons curl into a ball when they’re shy. That’s how they got their name — when they feel nervous, they roll into a neat little ball with their head tucked safely in the middle. (Relatable, honestly.)
- They’re also called royal pythons. Legend has it that African royalty once wore them as living jewellery. William Snakespeare has certainly inherited the regal attitude.
- They can “see” heat. Special pits along their jaw sense the warmth of other animals — like built-in night-vision goggles.
- They’re famously gentle. Ball pythons are calm, docile and non-venomous, which makes them one of the best snakes in the world for helping kids fall head-over-heels for reptiles.
- They’re in it for the long haul. With great care, ball pythons can live 30 years or more — so William Snakespeare will be greeting your kids, and quite possibly their kids, for decades to come.
When can we meet William Snakespeare?
Every single day.
Come along to our daily reptile presentations at 11.30am and 2.30pm, where the kids can meet William Snakespeare up close, ask our keepers absolutely anything, and discover why everyone at the park is completely smitten.
Fair warning: your child may come home a fully fledged snake person.
We take zero responsibility.
Missed the naming competition?
Don’t worry — around here, there’s always another adventure coming.
Between new arrivals, seasonal events and our conservation work with Working 4 Wildlife, the park is always growing. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so your family never misses the next big moment (or the next big vote).
In the meantime, there’s a freshly named python who would love to meet you.
Come and say hello to William Snakespeare — the snake YOU named.
FAQs
What kind of snake is William Snakespeare? A Clown Pied Ball Python — one of the world’s most gentle and popular python species.
How did William Snakespeare get their name? Through Amazement’s community naming competition — entries came in from families across the Central Coast and beyond, and the winning name was announced in July 2026.
Are ball pythons dangerous? No — ball pythons are non-venomous and famously calm and docile, making them wonderful ambassadors for teaching kids about reptiles.
When can I see William Snakespeare at the park? At the daily reptile presentations, 11.30am and 2.30pm.
