Mtunzini Reptiles and Wildlife Education

29/08/2022

Snake venom contains a diversity of bioactive compounds. This Review highlights the complex chemistry of snake venom and shows how venom can be used to derive new therapeutic drugs.

02/08/2022

There are a lot of myths and incorrect advice out there, some could have dire consequences! Please take some time to read this blog on prehospital snakebite treatment!

Everyone has a fear of being bitten by a venomous snake because of poor information passed down from previous generations.

01/08/2022

One of our stunning Green Mamba found in and around Mtunzini!
Should you need assistance with safe capture and relocation please do not hesitate to call.
While one of our handlers is traveling, keep an eye on the snake from a safe distance of 5m.

Caz 0784852782 Chandre 0635312925
Peter 0760516420

19/07/2022

Gorgeousness for a Sunday call out!
Superficial old wounds which are well on their way to fully healed, a full belly and energized to digest and hide for a little cold weather to come.
Please don’t forget to call for assistance and photo ID
CAZ
WhatsApp; 0784852782

08/06/2022

WOOOOOOW! Congratulations Sir Attenborough... no one is more worthy.

29/05/2022

Safe capture and relocation of this little feisty being recently!
The poor snake had sticky tape stuck to its belly so before being released the next day (kept overnight for observation) we were able to get the tape off without causing damage to any scales.

EDITED
Although this is a harmless little Eastern Natal Green snake, one reason I’d like to bring this to your attention is to show you how wide it can open it’s jaws.
With this noted, please remember that although it may be harder for back fanged snakes such as your Vine snakes to bite, it IS still very possible as they can open their mouths to 180• and manage to envenomate.
With that being said, it is always best to contact one of our trained handlers for help with safe capture and relocation than to take a chance yourself and risk a bite.

Peter Daniel Caz Haines Zephian Alberts Bruce Hugh McMenamin
We cover Richards Bay to Mtunzini, Mandini and inland Gingindlovu to Eshowe.

29/05/2022

Well done Tyrone James Ping

24/05/2022

African Reptiles and Venom

Dangerous snakes of Southern Africa. Downloadable for free or printed in A1 for sale.
Contact [email protected] for more information.

19/05/2022

At African Reptiles and Venom, we extract venom for the manufacturing of snakebite antivenom. The snakes on the poster are all the snakes used in the SAIMR Polyvalent antivenom.
The Boomslang is used for the Boomslang specific monovalent antivenom.

18/05/2022

Snake venom is used in the production of antivenom BUT, some species’ venom is also used in medication for arthritis, cancer, diabetes, thrombosis, hypertension, myocardial infraction, strokes, anesthetics and other diseases.
So think twice before killing a snake ... they are saving lives as well as controlling pest populations.

📸 Caz Haines

12/05/2022

Hulk is recovering and what an experience!

28/04/2022

Very important read ...

Crocodiles and turtles are in a particularly dire situation, according to a global assessment of risks.

24/04/2022

Sunday giggle for our followers! 🤣🤭

24/04/2022

16/04/2022

“HERE’s TO STRONG WOMEN ...
May we raise them; May we know them ... may we BE them!”

With all this miserable weather, I’m finding myself going through previous adventures with our beloved Chandre ...
hanging with “Regina”!

I miss you my friend ... every hour of every day ... all our adventures ... walking Gaboon Adders ... Rescuing Forest Cobras from the under side of deep freezes and safely capturing Green Mambas!

You are a woman with the world at her fingertips ... CONQUER IT MY FRIEND!
Chandre Volschenk
Christine Kruger Caz Haines
🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

16/04/2022

With all the devastation KZN has experienced this week - and still continues to - it feels somewhat “wrong” to send best wishes for Easter.
So, all we ask is for our fans to please stay safe, be kind and if there is any way you are able to help someone who has lost everything, even the smallest of gifts goes a long way.
Hug your loved ones tight and keep in mind those who have lost family.

All our thoughts, prayers and love,
The team at Zini Reptiles and Wildlife.
Chandre Volschenk
Caz Haines Peter Daniel Zephian Alberts

11/04/2022

With the heavy rains we’re currently experiencing here in KZN, please be aware that burrowing snakes like Stilleto and Natal Black snakes will be making appearances as their tunnels are flooded.
A rule of thumb is to NEVER handle any small dark/black snake without confirming its ID first .:. Us trained handlers don’t even handle Stilleto, there is NO safe way to hence the reason why we have the equipment necessary to keep both the snake as well as you safe.
There is a major shortage of antivenom in SA so please, rather request an ID and for us to assist than put yourself at risk.

We are available for ID requests and safe removals should that be necessary.
Peter Daniel Caz Haines Zephian Alberts

29/03/2022

‼️⚠️PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT EVER PICK UP A SNAKE THAT YOU CANT IDENTIFY⚠️‼️
A photo of it from 5m is sufficient!
This ID request is of a hatchling Eastern Green Mamba ... we can only hope the chap holding it hasn’t been tagged as the consequences of this are, quite literally, life threatening.

24/03/2022

‼️⚠️GINGINDLOVU AREA⚠️‼️

A farm worker was attacked and bitten by a Jackal in the Gingindlovu area near eShowe, KwaZulu Natal. The animal is not available for testing, but this is highly unusual behaviour and it is most likely that this animal was rabid.
The man reported the incident to his employer, and is receiving post exposure vaccinations through the local clinic.
Make sure your employers and your employees are rabies aware. You could save a life.

16/03/2022

Please make sure your pet’s vaccines are always up to date ... ESPECIALLY RABIES.

07/03/2022

Hi everyone,
I do apologize for being a bit quiet ... I’d like to just notify you that I will not be doing removal calls this week as I am currently dealing with a medical crisis at home and for now my family need my full attention.
I will always be able to assist with ID requests and facilitate a removal when needed though.
Peter Daniel Zephian Alberts are available and I have attached contact details for them.

I do apologize in advance but we all work together to assist in every way we possibly can ... sometimes life just throws hectic curve balls!

Kind regards,
Caz Haines

07/03/2022

Today’s awesome removal of an Eastern Green Mamba from a home on the estate ... thank you Peter Daniel for helping.
A huge thanks to Brian for phoning for assistance.
🐍🐍🐍

04/03/2022

04/03/2022

SNOUTED NIGHT ADDER

So ... have a look at this teeny tiny Snouted Night Adder safely relocated by Chandre up in Hoedspruit!!
Although they have cytotoxic venom, their venom load is a lot less than the Rhombic Night Adders here due to their size - rarely reaching 35cm - their bites are seldom serious.
Their behavior is so similar to the Rhombic Night Adder with the key defining feature being their upturned snout.
Their food is also exclusively frogs, especially toads.

03/03/2022

SNAKE IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS ...
‼️⚠️PLEASE do not pick up a snake if you do not know what it is!!!⚠️‼️
Taking a photo of it where it is, is safer.
A photograph from 5m away is perfect.
There is NOTHING brave or “show offish” about holding a reptile and then sending for ID.
We cannot reiterate this enough ...
(Thankfully this was a dry bite case of a Bibron’s Stiletto Snake ID request)

Whatsapp numbers;
Peter Daniel 0760516420
Caz Haines 0784852782

03/03/2022

WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2022

“If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me.
Because humans want to save things that they love.” — Steve Irwin

We celebrate the return of so many gorgeous Kingfishers to our home, Mtunzini, by sharing an image taken by Chelsy (14yo) of a Brown Hooded King Fisher.

03/03/2022

MOZAMBICAN SPITTING COBRA
• Most “DANGEROUS” cobra in SA as this species accounts for a high percentage of annual snake bites.
• One of the Cobra’s found in/around Mtunzini
• Highly venomous (Cytotoxic)
• Can spit accurately up to 3/4m without having to rear up.
• If you are ever spat at, rinse with water and NEVER milk.
• The myth of the Tokoloshi originated from this snake.

03/03/2022

One of my personal favorite snakes ...
the ever so stunning Taiwanese Rat Snake
😍😍😍
The species is native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Asia. This constrictor feeds on rodents.
In SA these are an exotic species, favored in the pet trade.

03/03/2022

Leopard geckos are fast becoming very popular as pets.
Classed as Exotic pets, originating from the middle Eastern region, they are low maintenance, extremely hardy little reptiles.
If you’ve ever wondered, here’s an X-ray of the skeletal structure of their bodies!

Please note as well that before taking in a reptile, it is always advised to have knowledge in correct husbandry practices.
Every little life matters and it is a big responsibility.

If you have a Leopard Gecko, I am only a Whatsapp message away should you need any advice.
Caz
0784852782

16/02/2022

Please note that myself, Caz Haines and Peter Daniel are available for ID enquiries and help with safe removals.

Please also join Zululand Snake Rescue page.

16/02/2022

11/02/2022

Please take note ...

EFM News- Snake removal con artist!
Johan Marais
African Snakebite Institute
[email protected]
Cell: 0824942039

Gauteng has a snake removal con artist on the loose! We are in the middle of summer and with all of the rain, snakes are active. Killing or attempting to catch any snake is a risky business and homeowners are advised to rather back off more than 5 paces and call a snake remover.

The African Snakebite Institute has a free app called ASI Snakes (http://bit.ly/snakebiteapp) that lists over 800 snake removers country wide. Once you open up Snake Removal the snake rescuers closest to you will be listed first. While many snake removers provide a free removal service, some may request a donation to cover fuel expenses while others charge a removal fee – anything from R150.00 – R350.00 per call, often depending on how far they have to travel.
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous folks have seen this as an opportunity to scam people, especially old people or those that are clearly scared. They arrive, quickly catch the snake or if they cannot find it claim they have caught it and placed it in a container and then charge in the region of R2,000.00 for the removal. But it doesn’t stop there – they also offer to spray your property with snake repellent and that could cost up to R10,000. Needless to say, there is no snake repellent that actually works. Research at the University f Witwatersrand has shown that snake repellent has no effect.
So, if you encounter a snake and call a snake remover, first check what they are going to charge and if it is anything above R350.00, rather call another snake remover on the app. One of the con artists goes under the name Sam – be very careful.
This matter has been reported to various authorities and us currently under investigation.

06/02/2022

Our local Zini girl and well renowned snake catcher does it again. Beautiful Brown Forrest Cobra safely caught and released safely. Welldone Chandre Volschenk.

31/01/2022

Good day all. We are trying to organize a Snake training course here in Richards Bay. The course is a basic course that cover snake identity, snake bite treatment and for those that want to handle snakes can do so. The advanced course will be extra for those that want to get more hands on. The course is R950 per person and for us to have it in Richards Bay we need around 10-15 people to attend to make it worth while for Nicolas van der Walt to cover traveling costs to come here. If any of you are interested in such a course please send me a message with your name and number or you can email me at [email protected]. Alternatively just comment with your name and number. Thank you

27/01/2022

This season seems to be a Vine/Twig Snake favorite!
With the warm weather, you may encounter them basking. Please be extremely cautious with them though, they may have a reputation of being “placid” but should you try to handle them or interfere they are extremely quick and won’t hesitate to strike out.
Vine snakes are back fanged BUT they can open their mouths to 180•
Their venom comprises of one of the highest toxicity levels of our venomous snakes in SA and with bites being rare, there is no antivenom available.
You would need to get to a hospital to be monitored as their venom stops the blood clotting function of your system.
The chances of having to receive blood transfusions is high as well as symptomatic treatments.
Please call for assistance rather than taking on a Vine snake on your own.

23/01/2022

RABIES STATS FOR THE PASSED WEEK ... please friends, this is serious.
Please make sure your pets are fully vaccinated.
***‼️DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PICK UP ANY STRAY ANIMAL, THE RISK OF CONTRACTING RABIES IS TOO HIGH‼️***

Rabies Report 15th January – 21st January 2022

THE RABIES CRISIS CONTINUES IN KZN AND THE EASTERN CAPE. ON ABSOLUTELY NO ACCOUNT SHOULD YOU PICK UP **ANY** STRAY ANIMALS. THE RISK OF CONTRACTING RABIES IS TOO GREAT.

KwaZulu-Natal:
1. Canine, Embo, Ethekwini Metro
2. Canine, Phoenix, Ethekwini Metro
3. Canine, Mpumalanga, Ethekwini Metro
4. Canine, Creighton, Ubuhlebezwe Municipality, Harry Gwala District
5. Canine, Dlovinga, Izingolweni Municipality, Ugu District
6. Canine, Tinley Manor, KwaDukuza Municipality, Ilembe District
7. Canine, Umtwalume, Umzumbe Municipality, Ugu District

Eastern Cape:
1. Canine, Mthantha, KSD Municipality, OR Tambo District

What to do in the event of a bite OR SCRATCH from ANY MAMMAL that could have rabies:
1. Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 10 minutes.
2. Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of 4 (FOUR) vaccinations. Do not let a clinic turn you away – insist on speaking to someone that can advise you about vaccination. If the clinic does not have vaccine, ask them to find out for you the nearest one that does. If you have a bite, you will also need injections of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) into the wound.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO CALL AN AMBULANCE IF YOU NEED TRANSPORT.

08/01/2022

Phenomenal team work at Empangeni Veterinary Hospital!

08/01/2022

Summer treats for your furry family!

Zululand is sweltering in the normal January heat and humidity.
You could treat your dogs to these delicious ice lollies.

Yogurt and Berries Dog Treats

You will need:

🔴 1 cup plain yogurt
🍓 10 strawberries, diced
🫐20 blueberries

In your dog treat mold or ice cube tray scatter in your strawberries and blueberries.
Spoon over the yogurt. Fill evenly and smooth the top.
Tap on the counter to ensure there are no air bubbles and the mixture is evenly distributed.
Freeze for a minimum of 5 hours or overnight.

Your dogs would love them!
source - biggerbolderbaking