Every life, no matter how misunderstood, is worth fighting for. A truth showcased by a farmer who went to extraordinary lengths to save an emaciated Southern African python that had frequented his land for eight years.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 May 2026) – Somewhere in the city outskirts of Mahikeng, where most people would shudder and steer clear of a large Southern African python, one farmer considered one such serpent not as a threat but a long-term neighbour.
For eight years, Philip watched her navigate his land. He knew her patterns and her behaviour. But recently, the rhythm broke, and he realised something was very wrong. When he spotted her recently, he didn’t see the formidable hunter he remembered; he saw a creature in crisis. She was thin, lethargic and fading.
While many might have looked the other way, Philip went into overdrive. He reached out to Vasti Botha from the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), who coordinated with the specialists at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH).
However, help was hours away, and the snake was running out of time. While waiting, Philip did everything he could – soaking the python in lukewarm water and gently warming his office to 30°C to give her a fighting chance.
Back at the JWVH, the team was able to reach Master Power Technologies, Menno Parsons, and pilots Jason Beamish and Gareth van der Merwe, who worked to get all the necessary permits in place. Within an hour, Dr Jess was in the air to reach the emaciated patient.
The python was eventually stabilised enough for transport to the JWVH. Upon arrival, the veterinary team took over the baton, immediately starting her on IV fluids, emergency medication, and stabilisation.
“This beautiful python is critically compromised. She is severely underweight and anaemic, and at this stage, we do not yet know the full underlying cause. For now, she is stable – but fragile,” JWVH said.
The snake is resting in a large, carefully heated enclosure, and the next few days will be critical.
“With wildlife patients, especially reptiles, treatment is always a balance. Every intervention helps – but every bit of handling adds stress. Thank you to Philip – for seeing her, for caring, and for acting. Not everyone would do this for a snake.”
Even the most feared creatures deserve a guardian, and we salute Philip for being just that for this poor python in its time of need.
Thanks also go out to every team player who made this rescue possible. Your speed, coordination, and willingness to act have given this girl a chance.
Sources: Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital
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