Katherine High School to host Oenpelli python in unique classroom setup

A zookeeper-turned-teacher has taken an Oenpelli python into his school to help teach students about the importance of wildlife conservation.

An Oenpelli python is being hosted by Katherine High School as part of the school's environmental science program.

Worlds have collided as a zookeeper-turned-teacher prepares to host a Top End school’s rare pet in his classroom.

Katherine High School teacher Thomas Hennessy said the elusive Oenpelli python – native to West Arnhem and discovered in the ‘70s – would bring students face-to-face with the impact of ecosystems.

Mr Hennessy said the Oenpelli python was one of many NT species that had “taken a battering” due to cane toads and other invasive species.

Katherine High School teacher Thomas Hennessey and Oenpelli python researcher Dr Gavin Bedford. Picture: Sierra Haigh

He said the snake’s custom enclosure had been pieced together with the help of the school’s art and technology teachers.

“This is a unique thing, ‘kids just look there, there’s an animal that we don’t know much about, this is something this is rare and not seen very often – why is that?’” he said.

“Within environmental science, we look into conservation and the biosphere sustainability in senior levels, so having that animal there is a great opportunity to have a case study right in front of them.”

Katherine High School teacher Thomas Hennessey holds an Oenpelli python. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Katherine High School teacher Thomas Hennessey holds an Oenpelli python. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Mr Hennessy’s passion for wildlife conservation began during his time as a zookeeper.

But during a stint working as a wildlife reserve manager for a school in Melbourne, he found an interest in teaching and sharing his love for the environment with students.

“I joined the Teach for Australia program and moved to Katherine at the start of 2023 and I’ve been there since,” Mr Hennessy said.

“At the end of last year, I was keen to actually bring an animal into the school and give students an opportunity to interact with an animal that they may not have seen much of in the wild – or maybe not even have heard of.”

An Oenpelli python is being hosted by Katherine High School as part of the school's environmental science program.

Mr Hennessy organised the unique classroom addition with the help of Oenpelli Python researcher and breeder Dr Gavin Bedford.

Dr Bedford said his breeding program started with six of the snakes – two small, two medium, and two large specimens.

He said the pythons had been bred about 22 times since 2012.

“We’ve distributed among people in Australia – institutions like zoos and parks and things like that,” Dr Bedford said.

“Now we’re at the point where we’re getting into high schools to get to have a play.”

Originally published as Katherine High School to host Oenpelli python in unique classroom setup