Parents are usually concerned with introducing a new pet around their young children for the first time. This father, though, knew from the start that his 16-foot python would get along just fine with his daughter.
Emi Loved Cher the Python from the Moment They Met
“They’re just very used to each other’s company. When I introduced Emi to Cher, Emi was about 2-years-old and Cher was quite a tiny snake,” said Father Ed Taoka.
As Emi Grew, So Did Cher
Not only has Ed’s daughter grown over the years, but so has his Lavender Motley Sunfire Tiger snake, who is now about 16 feet in length!
They Still Have a Close Bond
While Cher is much too big for little Emi to carry these days, the two still love to interact with one another.
Cher is Great with Kids
According to Ed, the python is super gentle with his daughter.
But it Took Some Time Getting Used to
“As a parent, I had to make sure that Cher was tame and sociable to be held,” the father admitted.
Ed Spent Plenty of Time Making Sure His Daughter and Snake Got Along
“I spent every day, multiple times a day, with Cher, just getting her used to human interaction. On the other front, I needed to make sure my daughter genuinely knew how to be gentle. As soon as she understood what she need to do, no grabbing no poking, just being gentle and respectful that’s all I needed form her, was to behave how I behave. And she proved that to me.”
While the Trust is There, There are Still Rules
For example, Ed won’t allow Emi to feed Cher until she’s 16-years-old.
For Now, Emi Can Still Play with the Family’s Snakes
Yes, that’s right: snakeS. The Taoko’s also have a reticulated python named Sonny, who Emi also loves to spend time with!
Trust Takes Time, But it’s Worth it
“No one gets to see the good nature of these animals and what they’re really like when they’re not being stressed out,” Ed said. “As soon as a large constrictor is shown with anything, it’s always a bad negative perception. The snakes haven’t bitten us, the cats have bitten us and scratched us. Cher is probably the most gentle snake I’ve ever owned.”
In the end, Cher is a gentle giant!
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