At one month old, Sylvester was shipped to Claire Gleason in 2006. He was the amelanistic color variety of corn snake (lacking brown pigment) and eventually grew to 4'9" long.

Claire began bringing her snake to BRDC events in 2010, where he became a tremendous hit. Along with Sylvester, Claire brought a wealth of knowledge about snakes, and together they served as ambassadors working to help people come to terms with their unfounded prejudice of snakes.

Sylvester was euthanized on October 21st by the Healing Springs Animal Hospital in Galax after it was discovered that he had an inoperable injury. The staff at Healing Springs was familiar with and very fond of Sylvester.

Sylvester was always gentle, allowing anyone and everyone to hold him. His last educational appearance took place this summer at BRDC’s Adventure Day Camp. It is not an exaggeration to say that hundreds of people were touched by Sylvester. We at BRDC are most grateful for all the times Claire shared Sylvester with us, and offer our condolences.

Claire added this note: he sometimes liked to put his nose in his water bowl and blow bubbles.

Scott Jackson-Ricketts and Claire Gleason