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.
I was fresh out of university when I started working at Le Bonheur. Bright eyed and excited to work closely with something as magical as the Nile Crocodile. I had already accumulated a fair bit of experience working with animals. I’d kept reptiles and birds throughout my life and exposed myself to every learning opportunity I could. I also had plenty of experience working with dangerous animals, including Nile Crocodiles. A BSc degree, some experience and a whole lot of passion accompanied me as I set out on this new adventure.
Part of the appeal of working at Le Bonheur was the freedom and encouragement handed to me by the owner-manager, Alzette. I arrived with a menagerie of animals including ducks, pigeons, chickens, snakes, and my dog which Alzette willingly welcomed onto her property. This kind of acceptance was something I wasn’t accustomed to, considering that many of the snakes I had were highly venomous. I realized that with the backing of Alzette, I could share my passion in a way that I couldn’t before. Le Bonheur was the stage where I could share the wonder of these incredible animals.
Reptiles are often perceived as evil and dangerous. Snakes and crocodiles in particular seem to garner unwanted attention and needless persecution. Let’s not downplay the fact that snakes and crocodiles are capable predators with the potential to cause significant harm. However, most reptiles don’t go out of their way to harm us. Even the deadliest ones have evolved behaviors to reduce the need to have a harmful encounter. Cobras make a hood and puff adders’ hiss. Black mambas expose the ink black coloration in their mouth. Boomslangs puff up their throats. All these behaviors and physical adaptations serve as a warning to prevent bites. If these animals were monsters intending to kill us, why would they go to such lengths to warn us? Most bites occur when a snake feels vulnerable. As I say, “If you come at me a spade, don’t be surprised if I bite you too”.
You don’t need to love snakes, but it’s only right that you respect them for the living beings that they are. Snakes don’t deserve to be harmed and harassed because of naïve preconceived notions. This sentiment has been a massive driver in my life and a key theme in the work I did at Le Bonheur. I, like so many others, realized that education is the most important tool in wildlife preservation and conservation. The more people know, the less they fear. Misinformation and old wife’s tales are often the basis of knowledge when it comes to weird and obscure animals. Changing people’s minds isn’t easy but it is crucial if we want to see positive change.
Wanting to share this message with as many people as possible I proposed the idea of incorporating a small reptile center and snake show at Le Bonheur. To my delight this idea was supported, and I was given the go ahead. After acquiring the necessary permits, I started off with basic educational talks incorporating the snakes I brought along with me. Of the 12 snakes I had at the time the main stars of the show were a Snouted Cobra (Jeff), Cape Cobra (Milo), Puff Adder (Steve) and a Taiwanese Rat Snake (Dot). Many of which I still have today and are enjoying “retirement” at my home in Mpumalanga. I still look at these snakes in awe wishing they knew of the impact that they have had on countless lives.
With undeniable public interest in the initial shows, we went onto creating the snake center we know today. Le Bonheur acquired new snakes and the dream had become reality. The number of people exposed to positive experiences because of Le Bonheur cannot be quantified. The stories told and the hearts changed have undoubtedly had a positive effect. I experienced people touching snakes for the first time, creating a connection with nature they never thought possible. Through these shows I was able to show people that snakes are not the bad guys. As crazy as it may sound, maybe we are. A simple question: How many people do you know that have been killed by snakes? How many snakes do you know of that have been killed by people?
I have since left Le Bonheur but have kept in contact. It brings me joy to know that the seed I was able to plant, thanks to Le Bonheurs support, has grown and flourished. Le Bonheur has evolved over the years, but the goal has stayed the same: Expose people to these amazing animals, in a setting that is educational, safe, fun, and family friendly. Create a positive experience that leaves people forever changed. Hopefully helping our incredible animal friends along the way.
Romario Gonsalves
