Marina Beach’s Jane Franz gives snakes a second chance at life

In the quiet coastal village of Marina Beach, resident Jane Franz has built a reputation for compassion – not just for people, but for some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

Over the past two years, Franz has twice stepped in to save injured snakes, ensuring both were given a second chance at life in the wild.

Her first encounter came late one night when she spotted a large brown house snake outside her kitchen. After taking a few photographs, she noticed its tail had been badly damaged. Knowing the injury was below the cloaca – and therefore survivable – she safely secured the snake and rushed it to Margate Veterinary Clinic the next morning.

There, Dr Leon Bruggermann successfully amputated the damaged portion. After a short recovery period under careful supervision, the snake was released back onto her property.

Recently, Franz found herself in a similar situation when her dogs alerted her to a juvenile spotted bush snake with a broken tail. Acting quickly, she once again transported the injured reptile to the vet.

Although Dr Bruggermann was unavailable, a colleague performed a clean amputation. The young snake, affectionately named Stompie, required just a few days of care before it was ready to return to the wild.

Despite being told the snake would not eat in captivity, Franz discovered the opposite when two baby geckos she provided disappeared overnight.

During its recovery, Franz also helped two helpers overcome their fear of snakes – guiding them from hesitation to confidence in a matter of moments.

Days after releasing Stompie, Franz received a photo from a local resident showing the same snake, stitches still visible, about 500 metres away.

In Franz’s world, even the smallest creatures are worth saving.

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