If you’ve ever thought about keeping a snake as a pet, chances are you’ve heard of the ball python. It’s one of the most popular snakes for beginners and for good reason.

What is a ball python? And why isn't this 'nice cousin' to the Burmese hunted during the Florida Python Challenge? We explain the details.

But keepers at the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri were surprised to discover that one of their ball pythons had produced seven eggs - despite having no contact with a male for over 15 years.

The 62-year-old ball python has not been with a male in over 15 years, according to Saint Louis Zoo.