Recently, I have been reflecting on collections—things people are drawn to and accumulate over time, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Some people collect stamps, while others fill shelves with figurines or books. Somehow, I have found myself collecting knowledge, fascination, and, perhaps, even a longing for reptiles. However, this was not always the case.
For a long time, I kept my distance from snakes and reptiles. I admired them, but only from behind a screen, a pane of glass, or a safe few feet. I considered them beautiful in their own way; yet, the thought of holding one was far from appealing. Then, I discovered Snake Discovery, a YouTube channel that gradually shifted my perspective in ways I never expected.
Emily Roberts, the creator of the channel, has an infectious passion for reptile education. She began filming in her home, sharing insights into her scaly pets. Over time, her operation grew into something much larger—a rescue, a store, an education center, and a breeding program. That last aspect explains the sheer number of snake hatching videos and why her knowledge of genetics continuously expands. The more she breeds, the more she learns, and the more she shares with her audience.
Her husband, Ed, has become just as integral to the channel. While he initially stayed behind the camera, over time, he became a familiar presence, offering humor, knowledge, and the occasional hilarious reaction to feisty reptiles. His dynamic with Emily—whether they are debating reptile facts, setting up new enclosures, or just sharing ridiculous moments—makes the content even more engaging.
Snake Discovery offers an incredible variety of content, but few moments are as entertaining as the arrival of newborn reptiles. Or the laying of the eggs and setting them up in the incubators. Hognose hatchlings, in particular, are remarkably expressive. Straight out of the egg, they display theatrical posturing, exaggerated bluff strikes, and, on occasion, a dramatic play-dead routine. Even on their first day of life, they are bursting with personality, making them one of the most amusing species to watch develop.
Livebearers, on the other hand, introduce an entirely different level of chaos. Unlike egg-laying reptiles, these species give birth to fully formed babies, requiring a labor-intensive hunt to track them all down. When this occurs, Emily and Ed, along with the rest of the team, embark on a reptilian scavenger hunt, meticulously dismantling enclosures piece by piece. Each rock, hide, and plant is removed to uncover tiny, wriggling newborns, all while the mother watches with what can only be described as silent judgment. The spectacle is both hilarious and fascinating.
Though Snake Discovery primarily focuses on snakes, the channel features a variety of reptiles, including turtles that have developed a reputation of their own. Two turtles, in particular, frequently appear in videos, contributing to the channel’s charm with their stubborn yet endearing antics. Whether they are casually munching on food, zooming off in unexpected directions, or inadvertently adding to the chaos, they never fail to make an impression.
One of the most captivating aspects of the channel is its deep dive into genetics. Snake Discovery has helped me understand complex concepts such as snows, false snows, hypo, het, and scaleless morphs—topics I never expected to find so fascinating outside of humans but now cannot stop learning about.
Snows are a result of combining albino and anerythristic genes, producing stunning pale snakes with soft, icy colors. False snows mimic this appearance but lack the same genetic makeup, making identification particularly intriguing. Hypo reduces melanin, creating snakes with more muted tones, while het refers to a recessive gene that is not visibly expressed but can be inherited by offspring. Scaleless morphs, as their name suggests, lack scales entirely, resulting in smooth, almost surreal-looking snakes. Then their are ghosts, however to learn about them you will need to tune in or I am going to info dump all I have learned which is a lot.
Understanding the science behind these traits has been an unexpected joy, enhancing my appreciation for each hatching video. There is always something new to learn and a fresh surprise waiting around every corner.
Among the most remarkable reptiles on Snake Discovery is Rex, an American alligator with a compelling backstory. She was rescued from inadequate conditions, kept in a small enclosure for an extended period, which ultimately led to deformities in her snout. Despite these early setbacks, she has thrived under Emily’s care. However, Rex is much more than a permanent resident—she is an educator. Before transitioning to her custom-built exhibit, she was brought to schools and educational events, helping people learn about alligators. Witnessing her journey from a neglected rescue to a beloved ambassador has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the channel. However the fact she can be brought to schools and handled with her species is pretty remarkable.
Cheyanne, the blue-and-gold macaw, has her own charm as well. Originally a breeder bird, she arrived in Emily’s care already plucking her feathers, a habit she continues to this day. Despite this, she is lively, full of personality, and a frequent source of unexpected interruptions in videos. She serves as a reminder that Snake Discovery is not just about reptiles—it is about a love for animals in all their forms.
As I reflect on the years I have spent watching Snake Discovery, I realize how profoundly my perspective has changed. What initially began as an interest in genetics has evolved into a deep appreciation for reptile care, biology, and breeding.
Today, I find myself in an amusing predicament. What started as curiosity has transformed into genuine excitement, and now? I want a snake. Or three. Or more. The decision is difficult—ball python, hognose, corn snake—how does one choose? I have learned so much, yet there is still so much more to explore. That is part of the magic of Snake Discovery. Emily and Ed never stop learning, never stop expanding, and never stop sharing their enthusiasm with those willing to join them.
For anyone remotely interested in reptiles, biology, or genetics, this channel is a gem. It is informative, engaging, and, above all, incredibly entertaining. Who knew that of all the things I would collect, reptiles—at least in theory—would be among them?
What is something you never expected to have an interest in and now have a major interest in?
Who am I? 
I would love to hear from you!