The new inhabitants include four Royal Pythons, including Jethro and Monty who will come face to face with museum visitors in handling sessions later in the year. These snakes have a special red light in their tank because they prefer to move around at night. They come from Central Africa and in the wild, feed on mice and other small mammals.

Also visiting is a Jungle Carpet Python called Elli who is an Australian rainforest snake and Ratty, a Rat Snake who is a female even though she was initially thought to be male. While staying at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery over Christmas, she laid several eggs which is what gave it away.

Another guest is Greeny, a Dabb lizard, who loves to sunbathe under his UV lamp all day long. These lizards don't need very much water and feed on wild bird seed and vegetables. They come from arid regions of the Middle East.

All of the creatures have been rescued or bred in captivity and were former residents of the Hancock Museum in Newcastle which is currently closed while it undergoes a massive refurbishment. The animals will be looked after by specialist staff from the Hancock Museum whilst they are ‘on holiday’ in Sunderland.

The museum is working very closely with vets and other experts within the North East to make sure the animals are well cared for and happy in their new home.