About StarPythons
StarPythons is the world's leading specialist breeder for carpet pythons (Morelia spilota), headquartered in Lübeck, Germany. Founded in 2007, we have dedicated nearly two decades to one clear mission: the well-being of our carpet pythons — through expert care, species-appropriate housing, and responsible breeding practices that set the standard for the industry worldwide.
A Passion That Started with Steve Irwin
For many people who grew up watching Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter", it was impossible not to be captivated by his infectious enthusiasm for Australia's wildlife — and the remarkable snakes that call that continent home. For Philip, that fascination became a lifelong pursuit.
In 2007, StarPythons began in the most modest of circumstances: a small rented space borrowed from a friend, a handful of animals, and an unwavering belief that carpet pythons deserved to be kept — and bred — to a higher standard. What started as a passion project quickly grew into something far greater.
By 2013, that growth had outgrown its original home. StarPythons moved into its current, purpose-built facility — a turning point that marked the transition from dedicated hobbyist to professional breeding operation. That same year, Philip travelled to Australia as part of a group of passionate reptile enthusiasts and fellow snake keepers — among them well-known figures from the reptile community including Justin Julander, Brian Barczyk and Peter Birch. Through local friends, the group was invited to visit Bob Irwin — Steve's father and a legendary wildlife advocate in his own right — at his home. It was an encounter that left a lasting impression, and a reminder of why this work matters: a genuine love for these animals, passed down through generations of people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting them.
That same spirit is what StarPythons was built on — and what continues to drive everything we do today.
Who We Are
With approximately 260 adult breeding animals and 800 to 1000 hatchlings produced annually, StarPythons operates one of the largest and most diverse carpet python breeding programs in the world. We work with all major subspecies of the Morelia spilota complex — M. s. variegata, M. s. cheynei, M. s. mcdowelli, M. s. harrisoni, M. s. spilota, and Morelia bredli — as well as an extensive range of established color morphs including Albinos, Axanthics, Caramels, Granites, Hypos, Jaguars, Tigers, and Zebras. Through careful, multi-generational selective breeding, we currently maintain and produce more than 150 genetically distinct variants and morph combinations — a breadth of diversity that is unmatched in European carpet python breeding. Browse our current availability to see what we have for you.
Exceptional Bloodlines
What sets StarPythons apart is not just the scale of our operation, but the quality and origin of our breeding stock. Many of our animals trace back directly to original primary lines of exceptional significance. Our Jungle Carpet Pythons (M. s. cheynei) include animals from our renowned "German Bloodline" — a lineage celebrated worldwide for its intense black and yellow coloration. Our Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons (M. s. harrisoni) include descendants of the original pure IJ Granites by Piet Nuyten, a primary line we have maintained and preserved since acquiring our first pair in 2007. Our Darwin Albinos (M. s. variegata) have been cultivated by us since their first appearance in Europe in 2006/2007, making StarPythons one of the longest-standing custodians of this line on the continent.
Species-Appropriate Care as a Standard
At StarPythons, animal welfare is not a marketing claim — it is the foundation of everything we do. Carpet pythons are semi-arboreal animals, and our enclosure systems are designed to reflect this: spacious cages with multiple climbing platforms, proper temperature gradients, and an environment that allows each animal to express its natural behaviors. We continuously invest in our facilities and technology to ensure optimal living conditions for every individual in our care.
Whether our animals are destined for experienced collectors or enthusiastic beginners, every animal leaving StarPythons has been raised to the highest standards — regardless of whether it will be kept in a large custom enclosure or a well-maintained rack system. What matters to us is that every keeper is well-informed, well-prepared, and committed to their animal's well-being.
Our Team
Skilled, knowledgeable people are the backbone of responsible reptile breeding. At StarPythons, every member of our core team holds formal qualifications — not because it is required, but because we believe the animals in our care deserve nothing less.
Philip — Founder & Managing Director
Philip founded StarPythons in 2007, driven by a fascination with the Morelia spilota complex that has only deepened over the years. His academic background spans business administration, biology (B.Sc.), and infection biology (M.Sc.), with a specialization in reptile virology. As part of his research, Philip conducted applied work at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) — Germany's Federal Research Institute for Animal Health — at the Institute of Diagnostic Virology under Prof. Dr. Martin Beer and PD Dr. Dennis Rubbenstroth. His work there included the development of an improved PCR assay for the detection of a reptile-associated viral pathogen that has become one of the most significant health concerns in python keeping worldwide. This scientific foundation directly informs how StarPythons approaches animal health, biosecurity, and husbandry — grounding practical breeding decisions in evidence-based thinking rather than convention alone.
Miriam — Head Animal Keeper
Miriam joined StarPythons in 2021 and has been an integral part of the daily care of our animals ever since. As a trained and certified zookeeper (Tierpflegerin — Fachrichtung Zoo), she brings both professional expertise and a deep personal passion for reptiles to everything she does. Her dedication ensures that the over 260 animals in our care receive the consistent, attentive husbandry they deserve — every single day.
Both Philip and Miriam additionally hold the DGHT expert qualification under §11 of the German Animal Welfare Act (Tierschutzgesetz), ensuring full compliance with the highest standards of professional reptile keeping in Germany.
Animal Care Staff, Interns & Apprentices
Beyond our core team, StarPythons is supported by additional animal care staff, interns, and seasonal assistants who contribute to the daily running of our facility. We are proud to offer a formal apprenticeship program for aspiring zookeepers (Ausbildung zum Tierpfleger — Fachrichtung Zoo) here at StarPythons — giving the next generation of reptile professionals hands-on training in one of Europe's leading carpet python breeding facilities. If you are interested in joining our team or completing an internship with us, we welcome you to reach out via our contact form.
Regulatory Compliance and Transparency
We maintain close cooperation with the relevant German authorities — the City of Lübeck, the Upper Nature Conservation Authority in Flintbek, and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in Bonn. All legal requirements are not just met — they are consistently exceeded. This commitment to full regulatory compliance and transparent public communication is a cornerstone of how StarPythons operates.
A Global Network of Expertise
StarPythons collaborates with a worldwide network of recognized reptile experts, herpetologists, and independent consultants. Through ongoing exchange and peer review, we ensure that the latest findings in carpet python biology and husbandry are continuously integrated into our daily practice — for the direct benefit of the animals in our care.
In-House Veterinary Diagnostics
StarPythons operates its own on-site diagnostic laboratory, equipped with a real-time PCR system for the detection of reptile-specific pathogens. This facility allows us to screen animals quickly, precisely, and without reliance on external laboratories — ensuring that our biosecurity standards are not just a policy on paper, but a measurable, verifiable reality.
Our diagnostic capability is a direct extension of our scientific approach to breeding: rather than assuming good health, we confirm it. This proactive approach to pathogen screening reflects the same evidence-based philosophy that guides every aspect of our husbandry — and is a natural continuation of Philip's academic background in infection biology and reptile virology.
In addition to our internal quality assurance, we offer PCR-based diagnostic testing for external clients — including private keepers, breeders, and veterinary practices — covering the most relevant reptile-associated viral pathogens currently of concern in the hobby. If you are interested in submitting samples for testing, please contact us for details on the process and pricing.
Worldwide Shipping
StarPythons ships carpet pythons to customers across the globe. Our strongest markets include North America (USA and Canada), Japan, South Korea, and throughout Europe. Free shipping to the USA is included in the listed price. We plan every shipment individually, with animal welfare always taking priority — if conditions are not ideal, we postpone and find the next safe window together with you. Learn more about our shipping process and destinations.
Education and Responsible Ownership
We believe that a well-informed keeper is the best keeper. That is why we have built one of the most comprehensive English and German-language care resources available online, covering everything from purchasing decisions and enclosure setup to feeding, breeding, and debunking common myths. We also share practical husbandry insights on our YouTube channel. Our advice is always honest — including when the honest answer is to wait, or not to buy at all.
Our mission: The well-being of our carpet pythons.
Looking for your next carpet python? We currently offer more than 150 genetically distinct variants — from classic wild-type subspecies to rare multi-morph combinations. View all available animals or get in touch with us directly — we are happy to help you find exactly the right animal for your collection, answer questions about a specific morph or subspecies, or advise on international shipping to your country.