Snakes in the City stars visit uMhlanga

REPTILE-lovers and conservationists, Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett of National Geographic Wild’s Snakes in the City are back in Durban to film for their globally popular reality series.

The TV stars visited The Glass House in uMhlanga on Wednesday, 7 October to chat about season 7 of their show, which they are currently filming in Durban.

After returning to their UK home just before international borders closed for the Covid-19 lockdown, this adrenaline-loving couple is back to rescue, remove, or relocate snakes in and around Durban.

Also read: VIDEO-Yellow-bellied sea snake released off Durban’s coast

“We are loving being back as the Spring rains start to turn the KwaZulu-Natal countryside a gorgeous green, and the weather is warming up, bringing out the incredibly diverse range of snakes. It was quite difficult for us, with our adrenaline-filled lifestyle, to bunker down for all these months, but we are very blessed to have got through it, and are over the moon about starting the filming process again,” said Siouxsie.

“We look forward to meeting the many different people in and around Durban, many of whom, have a fear of snakes, and have no idea what to do when encountering them.”

“Filming our rescues, removals, and relocations, enables us to educate people about snakes, and that they are a vital part of the eco-system and, for the most part, are harmless. It truly heartens us when we manage to convince a person that killing a snake is not an option and that they are not as terrifying as they think,” added Simon.

The series, which reaches a global audience, is produced by local production house Earth Touch, will be filmed using strict SA government guidelines and regulations.

Also read: VIDEO: Durban North snake man saves kittens from black mamba

“We have developed a best practice and protocol plan that the whole crew and cast have been thoroughly briefed on, to make filming safe for the team, as well as the members of the public with whom they will come into contact whilst filings,”said Graeme Duane of Earth Touch.

Simon and Siouxsie are available to assist people living in the greater Durban area, including as far south as Illovo Beach, inland to Botha’s Hill, and north to Tongaat.

There is no charge for a call out, and depending on the circumstances, the caller may end up on the international reality TV series. The number to call is 063 234 6932.

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