Python
Photo Credit: Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

A rescued Southern African Rock Python was collected from a farm and taken to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital where it was discovered she is pregnant.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (21 October 2021) – The Southern African Python is a powerful creature, fierce and yet it is endangered. This is due to the species being illegally trafficked. Recently a female python was found lethargic and unwell on a farm.

“Southern African Pythons (Python natalensis) are classified as CITES II internationally, and as a Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (10/2004). Thus, they are in need of our protection in order to be around for future generations to see. Unfortunately, reptiles don’t always hold the “cuteness” factor to everyone like birds and mammals do, which makes the fight for their safety even tougher.” – Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

The farmer had spotted her on his land and called snake handler Dave Honiball to help relocate her. When Dave arrived, he saw she was unwell and made arrangements to have her transported for medical care instead of releasing her elsewhere. Arthur Roden assisted in getting her to a medical facility to be looked over.

Dr Caroline Brits at Kranskop Dierekliniek en Wilddienste helped get the python strong enough to travel, she stabilised the snake and once ready, had her sent to the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital where she was checked and found to be pregnant!

“She was found to be severely underweight with a marked thickening in the lower two thirds of her body. We suspected that she was gravid (pregnant) and an ultrasound confirmed the “thickenings” to be eggs. We treated her for dehydration (giving subcutaneous fluids) as well letting her enjoy long soaks in water – snakes can absorb water through their skin. She is now stable and has become more active and has been showing nesting behaviour in one of the sleeping boxes in her enclosure. She is still not in good health so she will have to stay with us until she is 100% healthy.”

Rock Pythons do not naturally occur in South Africa and are found on the African continent from Zambia northwards. Finding the perfect space for her will take some research. The area where she will be released will need to have a good water source, shelter, an abundant food source and space, lots of good space.

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital treats indigenous for free, so they rely on donations to keep doing the good work they do. Below are the various payment options for the Wildlife Vet; they rely on donations, so if you can, you can donate through the methods below.

Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr… (For the USA and international-based donors)

Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ


Sources: JWVH
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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