08/06/2025
๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ: ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ โ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐
On 6 June 2025, the Critter Chronicles team received a call from Secra Security company and responded to a incident in a rural community where a Southern African Python(python natalensis) was being illegally offered for sale. Our team located the animal and, following legal and ethical protocols, immediately confiscated it to ensure its safety.
Shortly after, the individuals involved in the attempted sale demanded payment. Despite calmly explaining that it is illegal to trade indigenous wildlife, the group became agitated. Tensions escalated as nearby community members got involved, with some individuals climbing onto our rescue vehicle. With safety becoming a serious concern for both the team and the community, the crew drove directly to the nearest police station escorted by Secra Security.
Once at the station , the SAPS members ensured them that the snake will be safe with us and helped us to explain to the community members(which we then found out were minors) that trading in indigenous wildlife is a crime.
This incident serves as a clear reminder of the need for ongoing wildlife education, especially in communities where access to information is limited and financial hardship influences behaviour. As a result, Critter Chronicles will be returning to the area to provide a free educational show aimed at educating the community about the importance of conservation, animal welfare, and legal ways to interact with wildlife.
We understand that some may ask, "Why didnโt you just pay them for the snake?" The answer is simple but important. Supporting illegal wildlife sales by exchanging money only encourages more of this behaviour. It creates a harmful cycle where animals are exploited, handled inhumanely, and ultimately suffer.
Southern African Pythons are protected in South Africa and cannot be kept or sold without proper permits. They play a vital role in our ecosystem and need to be protected, not traded.
Although we are offering this educational show free of charge, donations are welcome to help us continue this important work and reach more communities in need.
Donation Details:
Bank Name: Capitec Business
Branch Name: Relationship Suite
Branch Code: 450105
Account Name: EASILY WILD (PTY) LTD
Account Number: 1053279582
Account Type: Capitec Business Account
Thank you to the SAPS for their swift action and to everyone who continues to support our Stop Illegal Wildlife Trade campaign. Together, we can make a difference.
We also want to give a special thanks to Secra Security for their help in ensuring not only the safety of the snake but also our safety. Your love for animals is inspiring!!!
Critter Chronicles Team
