ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Round Rock Public Library (RRPL) announced its beloved ball python Rocksssanne was preparing for retirement.
The “well-read reptile” has been captivating library visitors of all ages for 25 years. She has been a staple during storytimes and has made appearances at local schools. She has also inspired art installations, city officials said.
Rocksssanne was adopted on Jan. 20, 2000, when she was estimated to be three years old.
“At that time, when Round Rock’s population was approximately half of what it is today, children across Round Rock submitted ideas for a contest to name her, with “Miss Rocksssanne NoFeet” chosen as the winner,” RRPL said.
The library said it would honor her 25 years of service with weeks of festivities leading up to her retirement March 1. Some upcoming events include:
Rocksssanne will turn 28 years old in January, which the library said was well into the upper range of a ball python’s lifespan.
“Rocksssanne has been a fixture of our library, teaching kids and adults alike about patience, curiosity and the beauty of the natural world,” Youth Services Manager Theresa Faris said. “She’s earned some peace and quiet in her golden years, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her extraordinary legacy.”
Rocksssanne will still be under the care of staff but in a calm, private space away from the public.
Following her retirement, library staff expect to transition Rocksssanne’s viewing window into an aquarium featuring fish native to Brushy Creek.
