STAFF REPORTER

Busani Mthiyane (Crocworld Animal Curator) and Wade Whitehead (CEO of FreeMe Wildlife) with the juvenile Southern African pythons. Picture: FreeMe Wildlife)

Following the rescue of a gravid (pregnant) southern African python in December 2023, the Crocworld Conservation Centre team carefully incubated her six eggs, which hatched in January 2024. They spent the year raising the juvenile pythons.

Crocworld Animal Curator Busani Mthiyane explained the care provided for the snakes, saying: “They need to be fed small mammals and other reptiles with a heated, spacious enclosure to grow, increasing in size as they do.

“They thrive best in moderate humidity and we ensure the enclosure mimics the natural environment as best as possible, with branches for climbing and hiding spots to reduce stress. In the wild, they are threatened by habitat loss and poaching, so they will be released into a safe environment.”

Crocworld collaborated with FreeMe Wildlife with the snakes released into a reserve in January as part of a reintroduction project. With the warmer weather, snake activity will be on the rise.

Juvenile Southern African python successfully released.

Residents on the mid-KZN South Coast can call the team at Crocworld on 039 976 1103.

There’s also great food and drinks with an exquisite ocean view at Fish Eagle Café, ziplining at Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures, and the WildED Crocworld Activity Book to check out.

For more information about the many conservation efforts and the exciting events happening at Crocworld, visit www.crocworld.co.za or ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ on Facebook.

FreeMe Wildlife released the juvenile Southern African pythons into a reserve as part of a reintroduction project.