PYTHON UPDATE FROM TEMBE:

Every conservationist faces moments when they must decide whether to intervene or let nature take its course. At Tembe Elephant Park, when a large breeding female python, a known resident at the park, was observed via Africam struggling to swallow an entire adult impala at the park's waterhole, the team at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife decided to step in. This python, over 4 meters long, had already overcome most of life’s hurdles, reaching a breeding age that only 1% of pythons achieve. Even staff members, normally wary of snakes, have shown a keen interest in its recovery after witnessing the event unfold.

The snake was transported to Snake Pharm, South Africa’s premier center for snake expertise and an innovative biotechnology and antivenom research center aiming to provide affordable life-saving antivenom worldwide. Upon arrival, the python received immediate medical treatment, including deworming, antibiotics, and wound care, supplemented with daily IV fluids due to its inability to drink from a traumatic tear injury to the lower mandible. After a week of daily monitoring and fluid administration, the snake underwent debridement surgery under sedation. Donald Schultz, renowned for handling extreme snake cases, meticulously cleaned the wounds and applied silver sulfadiazine cream to promote healing. The snake is continuously showing signs of aggression (typical for the species), improved hydration, and wound healing.

A special thanks to Catharine Hanekom, Ezemvelo KZN district ecologist, for leading the intervention, and to Donald Schultz for volunteering his time for the care of the python. Stay tuned for updates on the recovery and hopeful release of this python back into the wild.