Wildthingz bids farewell to Adam the Python
Adam the Burmese Python, undoubtedly the highlight of Wildthingz at Meropa passed away on 28 August.
POLOKWANE – Since the opening of Meropa, 17 years ago, Adam has been the focus of attention of thousands of children on school tours and other visitors who have reveled at the opportunity to touch him and have their photos taken with him. Majestic in his size and alluring in his calmness, Adam has helped dispel the fear of snakes in countless visitors.
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Sadly, as old age creeps up on everyone, so it did for Adam. He got sick about a month ago and on the advice from his vet, his handlers took the decision to stop his interactions with guests and allow him to rest. He was put on treatment and received the best possible care.
During this time, schools and other caring citizens have called Meropa to enquire when Adam would be part of the popular snake shows again. However, his time had come and Adam took his final breath on 28 August 2018.
Meropa’s management and staff, and especially Adam’s handlers, are saddened by the loss of Adam.
Peter Guthrie, General Manager at Meropa, says: “Adam has been part of the Meropa family and the star of the show at Wildthingz since Meropa’s inception. For thousands of school children from in and around Polokwane, Adam was their first ever interaction with a snake. I am sure there are plenty of youngsters who are now in their teens who will remember meeting Adam during a school tour.
“It is indeed a sad loss for us and for all of the visitors who had the chance to interact with him over the years. We would like to thank the schools and members of the public that have shown interest and concern about Adam.”
According to Guthrie, there is no successor for Adam at this stage. However, Wildthingz would not be complete without a python. Processes are being put into place to find a new python to take Adam’s place.
