The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital celebrates World Snake Day by highlighting South Africa’s beautiful snakes and rescuing them.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 July 2021) – The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) is celebrating its resident snake expert Grant Fairley as well as the rescue of 10 Southern African Pythons this World Snake Day, which falls on the 16th of July 2021.
Grant Fairley volunteers his time, skills and expertise to the JWVH.
“Grant never hesitates to volunteer his time and expertise.
He is an extraordinary asset to our team, and our volunteers are particularly fond of the knowledge and expertise that he generously shares. Grant, we honestly don’t know what we would do without your passion and dedication to all reptiles – especially snakes. There have been moments where snake treatments would have not been possible without your expert snake knowledge and handling skills. Thank you SO much for all your efforts and assistance over the years. We value you!” – JWVH
Whether you like snakes or not, they play a vital role in our ecosystems. Recently, the JWVH played a vital role in the rescue of 10 Threatened and protected Southern African Pythons. The snakes were kept in undesirable conditions, and all required medical attention.
Sadly, en route to the JWVH, one of the snakes passed away. The wildlife vet team have worked to save the lives of the other nine snakes.
“Along with the NSPCA, we were tasked with assisting 10 Southern African Pythons (Python natalensis) that were being kept in unsuitable conditions. Classified as CITES II internationally, and as a Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (10/2004), these constrictors and their wellbeing are of the utmost importance to us. The goal was to get the snakes out swiftly and safely. While the confiscation was underway, the team and the hospital prepared veterinary housing for the snakes. Tragically, one of the pythons was so malnourished that it succumbed en route to the hospital.
Upon arrival, all snakes were weighed, assessed, and any immediate veterinary care was completed. In the days that followed, enclosures were set up for the snakes which included: specialist heat lamps, straw, blankets, multiple hiding spots and a large water pool too. The snakes are also regularly bathed, to assist in getting rid of dead skin and to aid in hydration.
The snakes are weighed and measured regularly and the data compared to statistical records to monitor improvement in health of the 9 snakes. Once they are all in optimal condition and of a sufficient weight for their gender and size, they will be released in a safe suitable environment.”
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
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