history	Boeddha protected by the seven-headed cobra - Museum Insel Hombroich, Neuss, Germany (Photo Marcel van der Voort)
■ The European Snake Society was founded in 1979 and was called Nederlandse Doelgroep Slangen. 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. The ESS has about 350 members, in Holland, 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. We are a member of the Study Group Reptiles / Amphibians / Exotic mamals of the Stichting Welzijn Gezelschapsdieren.