Python killed on John Ross Parkway
Attempts to save an African Rock Python were in vain and it succumbed to its head injuries.
A RESCUE mission to save an injured African Rock Python on the John Ross Parkway on Thursday night has ended on a sad note.
Sadly, the slithery friend succumbed to its injuries despite the best efforts of a vet.
Doctor Jurgen Otto, a veterinary surgeon in Richards Bay opened his surgery after hours to help the ailing reptile.
‘I gave the python some injections and tried to examine it, it was difficult due to the load shedding but we tried,’ he said.
‘Unfortunately I think it was already gone by the time it arrived by me. Snakes can writhe and contract their bodies hours after death.’
He explained the snake had sustained serious head injuries.
Tracey Jonnes from MediTrax Ambulance Services stopped to help, and was shocked by the actions of onlookers.
‘The scene was chaos,’ she said. ‘People were poking it and taking photos and carrying on. I just wanted to help the poor guy.’
Together with other paramedics Jonnes held the crowd at bay until help arrived.
The 10.5 kg, 3m long python was spotted near the Alton intersection on the busy highway.
These pythons are not currently considered at risk of extinction, but are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning international trade in African Rock Pythons should be carefully monitored and controlled.
Locally, they are often used to make traditional remedies.
Meanwhile, an Empangeni resident sent us this snap of a python near his holiday home in Ponta, Mozambique which was taken about three weeks ago.
The massive snake had swallowed a small duiker, which it later regurgitated.
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