The Zoo is home to one Kenyan Sand Boa as part of our ambassador animal program (habitat not on public display).
Animal Facts
Kenyan Sand Boas are small snakes that spend most of their time burrowed.
Kenyan Sand Boa’s eyes, nostrils, and mouths are positioned in a way to avoid excess irritation to their eyes and accidental ingestion of sand and soil as they burrow.
Kenyan Sand Boas have blunt tails that are similarly shaped to their heads. This helps to distract a predator from their head.
Kenyan Sand Boas are ambush predators. They hide in the sand with their faces exposed, or under plants and rocks. When prey passes, they quickly strike and pull them underneath the sand, constricting them.
When food is limited, they can survive without eating for up to 1 year.
Diet
Carnivorous. Small mammals, birds, and lizards – their diet includes naked mole rats.
Status in natural range
Least Concern
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status
Main threats to Kenyan Sand Boas are loss of habitat and illegal collection for the pet trade.
