When we received the phone call from the Guinness world records we were not sure what service snakes alive were actually being asked to supply. None of our own snakes were the holders of any records that we knew of. Further information was requested from Guinness world records and it transpired that the 2013 Guinness book of records was to contain a section devoted to snakes and snakes alive were to help with promoting the book at several prominent media offices in central London.
So I was on the train to Guinness world records head office in London accompanied by two snakes Meeshak, a Royal python weighing in at 5lbs and Belle, a fully grown female Boa Constrictor weighing in at 20 lbs both tucked up in their travelling case complete with heat mats and all the other paraphernalia that you need to ensure that the snakes have a safe and comfortable journey. Both snakes are ideally suited for media work as they are both content to be handled and no not shy away from crowds or show any bad reactions from flash cameras.
I arrived in good time and was soon introduced to the team at Guinness world records. A photo shoot was arranged and Belle and Meeshak were introduced to everyone. Now I am always aware that not everyone I meet is as enthusiastic about snakes as we are at Snakes Alive and I never intentionally place any snake close to a person who I know is not to confidant about snakes so when I took Belle out of her travelling bag and several people took a step backwards I knew that I had a bit of work to do with confidence building. Fortunately I was the one who would be handling the snakes most of the time however many people at Guinness world records got to hold Belle for a photo opportunity.
While waiting for the car to arrive I was briefed on the days agenda. We were to visit The Sun newspaper, National Geographic Kids, First news, Real people magazine and Toxic magazine. At all these events the new Guinness Book of World Records 2014 was presented and the use of 3D apps were displayed then all staff involved got the chance to hold Belle or Meeshak for a photo shoot.
Snakes Alive and Belle was also invited for the official launching of the 2014 Guinness book of world records at 1 Marylebone. I was here that I got a chance to meet some of the world’s current record holders including
Chris Walton – The lady with the longest fingernails
Imaan – The shortest stand up comedian
Stephen Taylor – The man with the longest tongue
Belle was introduced to a large number of celebrities, such as Vanessa Feltz, One Direction, Rav Wilding, Warwick Davis and Luisa Zissman, amongst many others, who were given the opportunity to pose for a photo with Belle (although not all accepted).
The evening went on to include several attempts at some records and lots of entertainment. When all that was required of Belle was concluded I placed her into her warm travelling case and started the journey home.
My time at Guinness World Records was absolutely fascinating and I got the chance to meet many interesting people. Snakes Alive Animal Hire Services is becoming frequently used for media opportunities in London, for more information Contact Us!
P.s. Does anyone know the reason we were there? Have a guess or go and treat yourself to a copy of the book for Christmas (the 3d elements were a big hit with my granddaughter).
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