An attempt to relocate a small snake to a safe spot in the garden led to an unexpected moment of compassion this week, when a man helped his new reptile friend to a drink of water!
Hoedspruit, South Africa (18 November 2025) – It started when a guide from a local safari company spotted a Red-lipped Snake in the garden. It’s a mildly venomous species that’s not considered medically important to humans, so he decided to move it to a safer spot outside.
But as he gently placed the snake onto a plant, he noticed something unusual…
The snake wasn’t trying to slip away as one usually would after being picked up and moved around. It stayed, pushing its nose repeatedly into the base of the leaves, where a small puddle of rainwater had gathered.
The man realised the snake was thirsty. Seeing there wasn’t much water in the plant’s natural ‘bowl,’ he added a little more. The snake lowered its head and drank steadily, taking in as much as it could.
For a few minutes, he watched as the animal replenished itself, something most people never get to see up close. It was special. And it struck him as a reminder of how easily we misread the animals we fear. And how small gestures can make a real difference.
“For a few quiet minutes, I was granted a front-row seat to a simple, vital act of survival. It was a powerful reminder of the thin line between fear and understanding, and how a small act of kindness can connect us to the wild world right on our doorstep,” he said.
The post has since gone viral with 162,000 views. Mostly, people appreciate the gentle handling of a species so often misunderstood.
Sometimes, giving wildlife a bit of space is enough. Other times, as this thirsty little snake has enthusiastically confirmed, a little help can go a long way!
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