Popular speckled kingsnake Elvis is going into a comfortable retirement after nearly 20 years of public programs and appearances at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
The nonvenomous constrictor arrived at the Jackson museum in 2008 and was best known for being a native Mississippi snake with resistance to the venom of pit vipers such as copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes.
Elvis served as a representative for the speckled kingsnake species throughout his career, helping audiences learn the role of his species in the wild and its importance.
“Elvis has been one of our most beloved Animal Ambassadors for many years,” Museum Director Angel Rohnke said. “He has helped hundreds of thousands of people develop a greater appreciation for Mississippi’s native snakes and has inspired countless visitors to replace fear with curiosity. We are incredibly grateful for his years of service and are committed to providing him with the same exceptional care in retirement that he has received throughout his life at the Museum.”
According to the museum, Elvis always kept a calm temperament, which made him a prime candidate for an Animal Ambassador. His role included visits to various schools and community events across the state, making him many people’s first encounter with a snake.
As Elvis has gotten older, the museum kept his and other animals’ health as their top priority. The staff states they carefully evaluated Elvis’ life and decided that it was time for him to go into a quiet, comfortable retirement while remaining under the museum’s care.
“One of the most important responsibilities we have is providing lifelong care for the animals that serve as ambassadors for conservation,” Rohnke said. “Elvis has given so much to our visitors over the years. We are honored to provide him with a well-deserved retirement.”
