Randfontein scorpion and snake expert, Jonathan Leeming recently spoke at a Friends of Free Wildlife fundraising event where he gave his Essential Spider Bite First Response Presentation.
The event took place at Friends of Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Kyalami on Saturday July 2.
Friends of Free Wildlife is a non-profit organisation that takes in injured wildlife and rehabilitates them before releasing them. They are staffed by volunteers and funded through donations and fundraising events.
“It’s the kind of organisation that deserves our support; they treat over 7 000 injured animals, ranging from chameleons that have been poisoned by insecticides to antelope injured by cars. They treat animals such as bush babies, genets, scrub hare, jackal, hedgehogs, servals, snakes, bush pigs, tortoises, porcupine and an entire range of different birds. Without Friends of Free Wildlife these animals would die.”
Jonathan chose to speak at the fundraising event because he’s been involved with them for a long time. He regards himself lucky to help them raise some much-needed funds that are used directly to help wildlife. Looking after the environment is something that he feels very strongly about.
“We should all be treating our back gardens and urban natural spaces as if they were a national park. The reality is, however, that we cultivate exotic plants that require a lot of water, and we use insecticides and chemical fertilisers. Our efforts to cultivate a pretty garden are detrimental to the environment and harm wildlife.”
He presented his Essential Spider Bite First Response Presentation which answers two important questions – How to reduce the chance of being bitten by a spiders; and how to ensure the best possible outcome should a spider bite a person or an animal.
Jonathan added that the presentation is about understanding the world, and overcoming outdated values, beliefs and fear. A big part of this is unlearning all the wrongs things, and learning how to interact with the world and treat spider bites in an effective way.
“Spiders are so familiar to us. They are in our gardens, come into our houses, yet the average person knows very little about them! Many people have based their values and beliefs towards spiders on what they don’t know, and the message I wanted the audience to take home with them is one of understanding, and how they add value to the world.”
He added there has never been a more important time when we need to understand the world, as we as humans have taken from the world. That’s why we face so many challenges today. Now is the time to give back and protect every aspect of life, even spiders.
“Thank you for an exceptional and thought-provoking presentation, the guests were raving about you. Also, a big thank you for your continued support!,” said CEO of Friends of Free Wildlife, Margi Brocklehurst.
