Incredible rescue: 3.8m python saved by Crocworld, gets treatment at Scottburgh Vet Clinic

The Crocworld Conservation Centre rescued a 3.8m southern African python at a farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The injured snake was taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic for treatment. Picture: Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic

The Crocworld Conservation Centre rescued a 3.8m southern African python at a farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The injured snake was taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic for treatment. Picture: Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic

Published Sep 17, 2024

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Durban — A collaboration between the Crocworld Conservation Centre and Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic led to the successful rescue and treatment of a wounded southern African python.

Crocworld helped residents after a 3.8m southern African python was seen at Renishaw farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Farmworkers who had noted the “very large snake” on site called Crocworld animal curator Busani Mthiyane. Mthiyane and his team immediately went out to assist, quickly locating the female southern African python.

The Crocworld Conservation Centre rescued a 3.8m southern African python at a farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The injured snake was taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic for treatment. Picture: Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic

Following an initial assessment, a small wound was found and the snake was taken to Dr Jonathan Clark of Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic who sedated her, cleaned her wound and did a full health check.

Crocworld manager James Wittstock said at first they thought the snake was gravid (pregnant), which is particularly significant as this snake species shows some maternal instinct, caring for the hatched snakes for the first couple of weeks.

“She has recovered well and is now due for release this week into a suitable environment,” said Wittstock.

The Crocworld Conservation Centre rescued a 3.8m southern African python at a farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The injured snake was taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic for treatment. Picture: Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic

Last Thursday, on its Facebook page, the Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic said it had received a special visitor, a python, for wound treatment.

“A huge shout-out to Crocworld for their continuous dedication to protect our wildlife,” the Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic said.

The Crocworld Conservation Centre rescued a 3.8m southern African python at a farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The injured snake was taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic for treatment. Picture: Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, this month Durban snake rescuer Nick Evans was called to an undisclosed location to rescue and relocate a python from under a public staircase.

Evans decided to dig the snake out. He made a “burrow” big enough for him to crawl into and had some space to get up on his knees.

The python was wedged in, but once Evans started removing the sand from underneath it, first with a spade and then his hands, it lost its safe space.

Eventually, Evans extracted the 3.1m male python.

The Crocworld Conservation Centre rescued a 3.8m southern African python at a farm on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The injured snake was taken to Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic for treatment. Picture: Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic

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