Troy and Denver Kuligowski

Joint Publishers

Troy and Denver have been breeding snakes for more than 12 years. Currently they have about 200 breeding pythons in their collection in Brisbane's west and – as well as being known for their work with the Black-headed Python – it is the new colour morphs they are creating with this species that has won them world renown. Over the years, the brothers have become close friends with some of the best and most respected reptile keepers and breeders in the industry. With the onset of the Internet and the subsequent opening up of the information superhighway, they are now in regular contact with reptile enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. It is this sharing of knowledge that excites Troy and Denver and is the major reason why they decided to venture into the publishing industry with Scales and Tails Australia .

As well as building their publishing empire, the brothers have another ‘reptile' business – KBE Reptiles and Accessories. How they came to work with reptiles is a story in itself. About 12 years ago, 34 -year-old Troy was exposed to toxic chemicals that led to kidney failure and the need for a kidney transplant. To curb his depression (and keep him from focusing on his health problems) Troy started breeding rats to feed his and Denver's growing reptile collection. Word spread and he started doing the same for family and friends. He soon realised the business potential and in 2007 KBE Reptiles and Accessories was born with the backing and support of the entire family.

Denver, 29 , is a heavy fabrication engineer by trade, but now works exclusively with his reptiles through KBE Reptiles and Accessories and Scales and Tails Australia .  Both Denver and Troy try to help as many up-and-coming young herpers as they can as well as liaising with the older, more experienced herpers in Australia and overseas.

Denver brought his first snake home at the tender age of 17 while Joy – his mum – was away on a selling trip (she was the National Sales Manager for a jewellery company at the time). Denver had gotten his reptile licence , but had been told by Joy that "no snake is coming to live at my house". On returning home from her sales trip – exhausted and ready to relax – Joy found Denver had installed an extremely large adult Carpet Python in his bedroom. Joy promptly kicked both Denver and the snake out of the house. Bottom line? Joy was absolutely petrified of snakes. But, Denver convinced her to let him and the snake stay promising Joy that his new pet would be locked up securely and couldn't get out. She came around enough to look at it occasionally and touch the ‘non- bitey ' end every now and again. Denver took it slowly and eventually Joy ended up holding the python – he got the breakthrough he needed! The rest as they say is history. If you ask Joy today, her response to reptiles is: "They truly are addictive. I fell in love with that first snake and every other snake Denver and Troy have brought home since.  These days, I'm first in line to hold any new additions "