At Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures, a unique reptile adventure awaits…engaging experiences that nurture respect for the African Nile crocodile and other reptiles. Behind these experiences, lie passionate individuals, without whom the important message of respect, will not reach visitors to our park.
My life with snakes started when I was 17. I have always had a fascination with animals but had no idea you were allowed to keep snakes as pets. My good friend’s brother at the time had two snakes and it was just so amazing to see, and hold them. I did some research and decided to get my first snake, an albino Californian Kingsnake.
I was amazed that this harmless little pink snake was capable of killing, and eating, a rattlesnake. I proceeded to get more and more books about snakes and just kept paging though
My collection grew steadily. It is now 24 years later, and I care for, in my reptile park Reptile Garden, around 80 species of reptiles. I was always weary of getting involved in venomous snakes, but obtaining them was inevitable. Currently we display some of the most venomous snake on the planet.
Reptiles and specifically snakes, are most fascinating. The amount of diversity is astounding. Long and slender snakes are often active hunters, while heavy bodied snakes are ambush predators. Some have super criptic patterns, to help them camouflage, while others have bright colours to warn off predators. Snakes are amazingly well adapted, and although they have no legs they can do more than most other predators. All snakes can swim – even one from a desert that obtains moisture only from drinking dew from its skin. They are not ‘cursed to ‘slither on their bellies’ – it is in fact a blessing. Snakes can go more places than any other animal because they don’t have legs.
In South Africa, we have a wide variety of snakes -approximately 170 species and subspecies. While most of these snakes are harmless, the big names like Mambas, Cobras and adders, attract the limelight.
Africa has some of the deadliest snakes on earth. Although the Inland Taipan in Australia is the most venomous land snake, no human fatalities occur mostly due to it being found far from human settlements. In contrast, in Africa we have around 20 000 deaths from snake invenomation per annum. This is predominantly due to species like the Saw Scaled Viper, Cobras, and Mambas.
In our showcase of Africa’s deadliest snakes, facilitated in an outdoor arena on Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures you can see some of the deadliest species in person while learning the real facts around these often mis understood reptiles.
We discuss why snakes have venom, and the unique way it has adapted to immobilize their prey…the way snakes warn us via noise making and body posture…to other interesting facts like that they have no ear openings and feel vibrations with an inner ear connected to their jaw bones.
We stress how snakes don’t want to bite humans but they will if they feel threatened. These is no such thing as an aggressive snake… only a defensive one. Snakes make a noise to warm a human or other animal they perceive as a threat. Now if you ask me that is a considerate animal (most humans can’t even indicate while driving)!
Many people fear Black Mambas and state that they are aggressive snakes. The bite is called the kiss of death as before polyvalent antivenom was developed, 100 % of invenomating bites by the Black Mamba were fatal. These are in fact extremely nervous snakes and try to avoid contact with humans at all costs.
In these showcases we debunk the myths, and teach the true facts. Attendees to these showcases, even person who may not like snakes, come away with a whole new understanding about these secretive creatures and.
For travelers to South Africa who might be enjoying our natural environments: the best thing to do, in the rare event of coming across a wild snake, would be to give it a bit of space. Most bites on humans are due to people trying to catch, or kill a snake. If a snake is cornered it can become defensive and even aim to mock strike at you. This should be perceived as intimidating behaviour, as they are trying to scare you off. If you get too close, you would risk being bitten.
Africa’s deadliest snake showcase is offered by experienced guides, on selected dates, at Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures.
All reptile experiences are PAPA approved.
