History

The European Snake Society was founded on 12 April 1980 and was called Dutch Snake Society. In November 1980 the first issue of the magazine Litteratura Serpentium was published. The Society is occupied only with snakes. In 1990 the name was changed into European Snake Society as a result of the (still increasing) international character of the Society. At this moment the ESS has about 250 members, in The Netherlands, other European countries and other parts of the world.

Our objects are:
- To establish contact between snake keepers and people interested in snakes
- To encourage an exchange of views on snake keeping and breeding
- To contact other societies, universities, zoos, etc.
- To promote an interest in snakes
- To give information about the rich cultural-historical background of snakes

The Society keeps contact with the gouvernement, concerning new legislation about snakes. We advise local gouvernements about allowances for keeping snakes. The Society is a member of the Study Group Reptiles / Amphibians / Exotic mammals of the Society for Welbeing of Companion Animals.