Kenyan Sand Boa

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Gongylophis colubrinus

Habitat: Kenyan sand boas can be found in the deserts of north eastern Africa.

Diet: Kenyan sand boas live on rodents (particularly young naked mole rats), lizards, and baby birds.

Size: 1.2 to 2.8 feet long

Weight: About 2 pounds

Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Distribution Map:

I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:

What does this mean?

Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.

Our Kenyan Sand Boa:

Allistar (Male) – Estimated Date of Birth Between April 2015 & June 2015

Did You Know?!

  • Kenyan sand boas have eyes and nostrils placed on their head in such a way so as to remain free of debris when the snake’s body is hidden below the sand.
  • Because of the desert heat, Kenyan sand boas are not active during the midday heat and only emerge early in the morning and in the evening to search for food.
  • When food is scarce, sand boas may live over a year without any food at all.
  • Sand boas are some of the smallest boa species on Earth.
  • Kenyan sand boas are known to kill small prey by dragging it under the sand to suffocate it.
  • Kenyan sand boas are ovoviviparous meaning that young boas develop inside egg sacs incubated inside the female’s body. After a period of 4 months, she gives birth to 5-12 offspring. The young are completely independent at birth.

Due to needing time to set up for our Wine in the Wilderness Event, on June 3rd the zoo will be closing to the public at 1pm! We will reopen our doors at 6pm for the event! Event tickets will still be purchasable at our gift shop during this time!