Hi there — my name is Elf, and 2026 is my year to find my forever family. 🐍💛 I’m a sweet, curious, and gentle ball python, ready to find a home where I can feel safe, loved, and truly cherished. I came into rescue on March 8, 2024, after being found as a stray in Escondido. Since then, I’ve been in foster care, growing, thriving, and learning to trust the world around me. Now, I’m ready to meet the human who will give me a forever home filled with care, warmth, and patience. At just under 2.5 feet long, I may not be the biggest ball python, but I make up for it with my calm and affectionate personality. My foster family says I’m gentle, curious, and easy to handle — perfect for cozy cuddle time or quiet evening hangouts. I especially enjoy exploring outside my enclosure during supervised adventures, and I happily curl up to relax once I’m done investigating. I’m a strong, consistent eater and shed beautifully with the right care and humidity. I’ll need a secure, enriching habitat with proper heating, temperature gradients, and humidity to stay happy and healthy. With gentle handling and the right setup, I’ll be a loyal, charming companion for many years to come. Though I’m classified as a “common” ball python, my subtle patterns and warm tones make me truly unique. My foster says I have a quiet charm that grows on you the more time you spend with me. ✨ Ball Python – Species & Personality Facts ✨ • Typically grow to 3–5 feet as adults • Lifespan: 30–40 years in captivity with proper care • Calm, gentle, and curious — respond best to slow, patient handling • Primarily nocturnal — most active in the evenings and nights • Curl into a tight “ball” when unsure, which is where our name comes from • Enjoy hides and burrowing to feel safe, secure, and cozy 🏠 Husbandry & Enclosure Requirements 🏠 • Minimum enclosure: 4 feet long × 2 feet wide × 2 feet tall (bigger is always better) - The rescue will help guide you • Front-opening enclosures are ideal to reduce stress • Temperature gradient: warm side 88–92°F, cool side 78–80°F • Moderate humidity, with access to a water bowl for soaking • Multiple hides to feel safe and secure • Simple, functional décor works best — cozy and calm 🐍 I’m looking for a human who: • Can provide safe, thermostat-controlled heat 🔥 • Knows (or wants to learn) proper ball python care, including temperature, humidity, and safe handling • Is patient and gentle, giving me time to settle in — 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to get to know each other, and 3 months to truly feel at home ⏳ • Will provide a secure, enriching habitat and calm, consistent attention I’m ready to bring my gentle, curious, and heartwarming nature into the right forever home. Could 2026 be our year together? 🏡✨ ✨ PLEASE NOTE: 1️⃣ 🎁 We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time. 2️⃣ ❄️ We do not ship reptiles 🚫✈️, but we may be willing to work with you if you are willing to travel 🚗. 3️⃣ 🌟 #2 will depend on the animal you are applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors. 💛🎁 If you’d like to make me part of your family, please click the Adoption Application button below — I can’t wait to meet you! ✨🏡