The Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) is used to taking in dogs and cats on a daily basis—but every so often, a more unusual guest slithers through the door. This week, that guest was a young ball python, surrendered after being secretly purchased online by a child.
The snake, estimated to be about a year old, arrived at MARL in a small plastic pint container—far too small for her to stretch or move. According to MARL, the reptile had been shipped from out of state and was discovered by the boy’s mother, who promptly brought her to the rescue league. Staff noted the python was underweight and appeared to have a low body temperature upon arrival.
MARL knew just who to call when they received the snake. Terell Green is a familiar name among Jackson-area animal lovers. Green, a former protégé of the late Percy King—the beloved former elephant keeper at the Jackson Zoo—responded immediately to MARL’s call. Green inherited some of King’s animals after his passing and has since dedicated himself to continuing King’s legacy of kindness, education, and animal welfare.
“When I held her, she immediately started to uncurl and stretch,” Green said. “That’s how I knew she felt safe.”
Green noticed the python’s spine was visible, a sign of poor health in snakes, and assured staff that she would now be housed in a proper enclosure with heat, space to move, and appropriate care. He has since taken the snake home and has her on the road to recovery.
The rescue has resonated with many in the community who remember King’s joyful spirit and his passion for teaching others about animals. Green now runs Amazing Animals Presentations, offering educational visits, birthday parties, and special events to continue that mission.
“We are incredibly grateful to Terell for stepping in once again,” said a MARL spokesperson. “He’s carrying on a beautiful legacy, and we know Percy would be proud.”
To learn more or follow Terell’s work, search “Amazing Animals Presentations” on Facebook.
