Wildlife enthusiast (7) uses his birthday to collect animal food
Highway snake catcher Nick Evans praises seven-year-old Sebastian “Bash” Visser for turning his birthday into a heartfelt fundraiser.
HIGHWAY snake catcher Nick Evans took to his Facebook page to praise a young wildlife enthusiast, Sebastian Visser, who used his seventh birthday to collect food in support of animal rescue.
Instead of receiving traditional birthday gifts, Evans said Sebastian, fondly known as Bash, asked his party guests to bring bags of cat food for his favourite local cat shelter or to donate money to support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work.
“The guests brought an impressive collection of donated food and a generous monetary contribution, all of which will be used to assist with animal rescue, veterinary visits, rehabilitation, and release efforts.
Also read: Don’t pick up snakes, urges Highway’s Nick Evans
“Remarkably, this was not the first time Bash had made such a request; he did the same at his birthday celebration last year,” said an impressed Evans.
Despite his young age, Evans said Bash already has a deep knowledge of reptiles, particularly snakes and lizards.
“Like I did, and a few other herpetologists I’ve spoken to, he’s started off with a love for dinosaurs, as you can tell by his shirt.”
Evans and his friend, veterinarian Dr Carla Goede, collected the monetary donation from the Hillcrest family and thanked Bash, his family and everyone who donated.
Bash and his family donated the cat food to the Kingdom Cats Sanctuary in Waterfall.
To mark the occasion, the duo took a large Brown House Snake along for Bash to handle, which Evans said he was a natural at – as was his sister Anika (5).
Also read: Help fill welfare society’s food room
“We had a great time chatting with them and his parents. We often see the worst side of people in this line of work. Selfish, cruel, cheeky, and, and, and. So to experience this, and chat to this family, was a wonderful experience.
“Cannot believe what a kind gesture this was. Thank you Bash!” said a grateful Evans.
His mother Paula said last year Bash supported Nick Evans, Feeding the Furrballs and Monkey Helpline.
“Bash has been snake (and dino) obsessed since he was a baby, so Nick is his hero.”
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
