Runex conquers fear of reptiles

STUDYING for matric, competing in the para cycling championships and swimming was apparently not enough for fiercely independent young Ranetsi Manyoni who became part of uShaka Marine world’s volunteer team in April.

Runex (as he is known to his colleagues) who lost both his legs in a train incident when he was 10 years old, is a student at Durban’s Open Air School and catches four taxis from Umlazi to uShaka Marine World and back home – just for the privilege of volunteering.

When he heard that uShaka Sea World had sent out an appeal for new volunteers, Runex wasted no time in responding. However, unlike most applicants, he didn’t just send his application via email, but arrived with it in person.

Initially, he said he thought he would like to volunteer in the dolphinarium or aquarium but quickly changed his mind when the opportunity to volunteer in Dangerous Creatures exhibit within the uShaka Marine World’s Village Walk came up.

As with most challenges, Runex was prepared to meet the reptiles and amphibians which he had never encountered before and overcome his initial fear of the slippery inhabitants at Dangerous Creatures.

Herpetologist, Lesley Labuschagne, encouraged Runex to spend a few hours in the Dangerous Creatures exhibit just observing in order to get a better idea of what being a volunteer caring for reptiles entailed.

Apparently it only took an hour or two for him to sign up as a volunteer and get ready to begin training.

“As soon as I touched a snake and realised it would not harm me, my fear disappeared. I was very surprised at how soft it felt. It felt wonderful and empowering to overcome my fear and I was fascinated by this new world,” he said.

His enthusiasm and commitment saw him progress rapidly through the volunteer programme. After spending just two weeks learning the ropes and taking home self-study material, he is now assisting the herpetologists with cleaning exhibits, preparing food, feeding some of the non-venomous snakes and guiding guests through the exhibits.

“The best part of my day is when I get to interact with Freddie, the green Iguana, and the worst part of my day is when I have to clean poop out of the exhibits,” he said.

His exuberant personality quickly dispels the fears of both young or old who may never have been close to a snake or large lizard without feeling terrified!

As soon as he has made sure that guests at Dangerous Creatures are feeling perfectly comfortable, he encourages them to slowly and gently touch whichever reptile he is interacting with.

He said he realises that there is a lot of work to be done to convince people to conserve nature – but if anyone can do it, he can.

“When I go home and tell people I work with snakes, lizards and frogs, many of my family and friends can’t believe that I am not afraid and that the animals will not harm me,” said a beaming Runex, who really enjoys encouraging visitors to look that little bit closer and learn about his slithery friends.