An American has 200 exotic snakes and allows children to sleep with them (6 photos + 1 video)
A Florida man has turned his garage into a home for hundreds of exotic reptiles. He even lets his kids sleep in the same bed with the slippery pets. "It's a normal thing for our family," says Socrates Christoforou of Fort Lauderdale. 
"The kids aren't afraid of them at all, and we're lucky that we share this love of snakes as a family," says Socrates, 45.
His collection includes rare green pythons, Amazon boas, New Guinea water pythons, and two venomous species, including the boiga. 
Most of them live in a garage that has been converted into a veritable snake sanctuary. The place is carefully maintained to provide a comfortable environment for the snakes, with special warm and cool zones in each enclosure.
According to Christoforou, he became interested in snakes at the age of 6, when he was catching venomous copperheads in the backyard of his New Jersey home.
In 2001, he began collecting his own snakes, but the 2008 financial crisis forced him to stop. 
In 2016, his 9-year-old daughter Ariana rekindled his interest in reptiles. Then he gave her her first pet - a corn snake.
"As soon as Ariana picked up the snake, I saw the same sparkle in her eyes. Since then, our collection has grown and now we have one of the most unique snake rooms in the world."
The family spends about $1,300 every few months on snake food and must adhere to strict rules.
"I have a venomous animal license, and every cage with venomous snakes is locked and labeled," Christoforou explained.
"We've never had an escapee. It's really hard work, but it's worth it. It's especially rewarding to see our children grow up with such a caring attitude toward nature."
The proud dad called his daughter and son Maximus, 5, expert snake handlers. Ariana keeps 30 of the scaly pets in her bedroom.
The kids especially love two New Guinean water pythons named Fancy and Megatron. They often cuddle and play with them.
Socrates added: "We want to break the stereotype and show that snakes are beautiful and not to be afraid of. Snakes are not evil, they are just misperceived."
