Juvenile pythons released into the wild
The conservation centre collaborated with FreeMe Wildlife, and the snakes were released into a reserve (a safer environment to thrive in) as part of a reintroduction project this month
Several juvenile Southern African pythons were released into the wild after being raised for a year at a conservation centre.
A female Southern African python was rescued by Scottburgh’s Crocworld Conservation Centre team in December of 2023. She was found gravid (pregnant), and her six eggs hatched in an incubator in January 2024.
The conservation centre then raised these young pythons for a year. Busani Mthiyane, an animal curator at the centre, explained the care needed for the snakes. “They need to be fed small mammals and other reptiles in a heated, spacious enclosure to grow,” he said.
“They thrive best in moderate humidity, and we ensure the enclosure mimics the natural environment as best as possible, with branches for climbing and hiding spots to reduce stress.”
He went on to add that in the wild, they are threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
The conservation centre collaborated with FreeMe Wildlife, and the snakes were released into a reserve (a safer environment to thrive in) as part of a reintroduction project this month. The team reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings as the warmer weather will lead to a rise in snake activity.
Mid-south coast residents can contact the conservation centre for snake removals on 039 9761103.
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