To demystify the idea of meeting a Sumatran short-tailed python during animal presentations, Mango Hopp often introduces the reptile, named Lucille, with a kiss on the forehead.
“Normally that puts people at ease,” the 20-year-old says.
Mango, son of Oddmall Outpost store owner Andy Hopp, frequently brings members of his large reptile and amphibian menagerie to meet the public — both at schools and private events such as birthday parties. Also see Mango’s animals — which include Templeton, an albino ball python, Fizzgigg, a red-tailed boa and more — at his booth during select Oddmall vendor showcases of art and curiosities. While waiting to see or hold his snakes, Oddmall guests can flip through reptile-related books, view other animals — such as frogs and leeches — and interact with a red-footed tortoise and box turtle, both contained in a kiddie pool.
“I love … showing other people that reptiles are cute and friendly, and getting them that love and socialization,” says Mango.
Nearly 40 of Mango and Andy’s animals, such as lizards, frogs and turtles, as well as the majority of Mango’s snakes — including Lucille — live inside terrariums and enclosures at the roughly 2,000-square-foot Outpost in Akron. From a bearded dragon named Sid to a voluminous African bullfrog named Voltar the Unholy, Mango and Andy are attentive, taking the utmost care of each pet. Many of the animals, including Lonk, a corn snake, are rescues. Others, like Vermicelli, a viper boa, and Sphere Itself, a Pacman frog, have special behavioral or body-related needs.
“The way that Pacman frogs usually hunt is they jump forward and hit things with their mouth. His bottom jaw sticks out farther, so he can’t hunt,” Mango says of Sphere Itself, fed using tongs.
Often, Mango’s knowledge of the creatures helps others warm up to them. “I used to be absolutely petrified of snakes,” says Mango’s friend, Audie Collins. “I started hanging around here, I held a snake for the first time, and now I’m much more comfortable.”
Since childhood, Mango, who is autistic, has been drawn to reptiles — and, since around 16, has been sharing them with the public, passionate about dispelling fears and educating on animal rights. “I’ve always been drawn to the misunderstood because I was misunderstood too,” he says.
Mango doesn’t only care for these animals — he empathizes with them. “Compassion for animals that people wouldn’t otherwise give a chance is really important to me,” Mango relates. “If you look at how a tree snake is adapted, versus a ground snake, they’re all snakes, but they’re totally different. Why can’t there be totally different ways to live as a person?”
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