Meet Bionic Benny: "Reptiles Are My Life. Without Them, There Wouldn't Be a Me."
Benjamin Singh isn't scared to handle an anaconda. After all, he keeps two green anacondas as pets. These constrictors do get huge, but they are not venomous.
And these are just two of his unique reptile pets.
He also has cobras. Benjamin, better known as Bionic Benny, keeps three false water cobras, which he calls his "pride and joy." They have hoods that flare up around their heads, like the cobras you see in the movies, and they are venomous. But biting humans isn't easy because their fangs are tucked away in the far rear area of the mouth. A human bite results in a bee sting-type reaction that's not an emergency for most people.
How He Became Bionic Benny
Benny has adored and kept reptiles as pets since he was a child. Then, at the young age of 29, life changed. He was involved in an accident where he suffered multiple injuries, including the amputation of his right leg.
After the accident, Benny wanted to figure out a way to work more closely with reptiles so he could pursue his passion and spread awareness about the good side of these animals.
Bionic Benny was born.
"I basically wanted a name that fit me in my current situation while missing a leg — and my motive behind my work ethic. I had multiple other name ideas, but Bionic Benny was the one I stuck with, and I think it fits me well," he shared.
Today, you can browse Bionic Benny's Instagram feed and learn more about his amazing reptile pets, watch him heal from his 2020 accident, and get inspired to value each day despite challenges.
"I choose to post more disability reptile-keeping content versus just reptile content because there aren't enough (if any) disabled handicap creators in the reptile hobby," he explained. "My goal is to inspire more disabled people to join the reptile hobby and show them they still can work with these animals even if they are in a wheelchair or are handicapped in any way. Life doesn't need to stop just because you ran into a bump in the road."
Lizards and Snakes — and a Dog, Oh My!
In addition to the previously mentioned anacondas and cobras, Benny keeps two reticulated pythons (one is a super dwarf), a hypo albino Burmese python, two western hognoses, two Honduran milksnakes, two Barons green racers, and a dozen ball pythons.
Benny also thinks lizards are cool. His collection includes a crested gecko, a Northern blue tongue skink, a Mexican bearded lizard and — his favorite overall reptile — an Asian water monitor lizard named Mango.
"He's very special to my heart because it was a dream as a kid to own an Asian water monitor lizard. He's like owning a dog. He's very intelligent. I would even consider him more rewarding than a dog. He's one of the first pets I got after my accident," Benny reflected.
Just don't tell Gigi any of this! (That's Benny's beloved French bulldog.)
Testing a Zilla Terrarium
With so many reptile pets under his care, Benny has tried lots of terrariums and tanks over the years. He recently tested a Zilla habitat.
"The Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium was very easy to put together, which I think anybody would appreciate, but especially for somebody handicapped like me," Benny commented.
He also enjoys the opening at the top of the habitat to make feeding time easy without the pet escaping.
Benny thinks the Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium would make a great home for several types of reptile pets, including leopard geckos, Western hognose snakes, ball pythons, and more.
Connecting with Your Reptile Pet
If you're new to caring for a snake, lizard, or other pet, it's crucial to learn the body language of the species. This helps you understand the animal's needs and emotions, such as hunger or fear/defensiveness.
"Working with the reptile's mind and understanding their body language will help you progress far in your reptile-keeping journey," he added.
(You can learn more about reptile communication in The Language of the Bearded Dragon's Beard and The Power of Trust: Building Strong Relationships With Your Reptile Companion.)
How These Pets Let Benny #RepYourself
It's pretty clear Benny found a hobby he adores. Each day, he spends time with his scaly pets, uses his online platform to inspire others, and gives thanks for this chapter in life.
"Being a reptile parent has taught me responsibility overall. My reptiles give me a purpose to live and keep me active! Reptiles are my life. Without them, there wouldn't be a me," Benny explained.
In this video on Instagram, Benny shares that holding a snake can help manage depression — as he cuddles with his Burmese python.
"Since I'm fully disabled, I spend a lot of my day with my reptiles. All my reptiles get handled throughout the day. It's like my therapy. I'll watch a movie and hang out with one of my reptiles for the entire time. That's something I really enjoy doing," he added.
Read about more reptile parents in the #RepYourself series:
Meet Brooke: Mama to Many, Many Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates
Meet Dan "The Turtle Man" and his Diamondback Terrapins
Valerie Says, "If You Can't Have Cats, Get Bearded Dragons!"
SLO's Plant Daddy Shares His Passions for Vines and Veiled Chameleons
