Injured Southern African Python Released After Recovery

The following story about a Southern African python was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

Recently, we admitted an adult, female Southern African python. She was brought to us by the Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation NPC. The python was initially treated by Dr. Lani and Dr. Fernando of the Phalaborwa Animal and Bird Clinic. She was transferred to us for more long-term treatment.

She had a large wound on her one side, with broken ribs protruding. We suspect that the injury was caused by someone stabbing her with a shovel.

She was anesthetized by Dr. Ant (this is done via an intra-cardiac injection — only in snakes), intubated and then maintained on inhalation anesthesia for the duration of the procedure. Snakes do not have a functional diaphragm, so they must be manually ventilated during anesthesia. Dr. K removed the broken and dead ribs, debrided the wound, and then sutured the wound with an absorbable suture material.

While under our care, she was tube-fed with EmerAid IC Carnivore to keep her healthy and strong during her recovery.

We are over the moon with her recovery. She has healed well enough to be released back into the wild. We thank Phalaborwa National Heritage Foundation NPC for facilitating her release.

This is exactly why we do what we do, to see a wild animal back in their natural environment.

A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the snake’s recent life events, from capture, to treatment and release: Bernice and Gustav van Zyl, Hannes van Wyk, Carel Coetzer, Ryno van der Westhuizen, Dr. Fernando, Dr. Lani, Sasha Bornman, Rachel Longster and Eugene Troskie. Successful wildlife rehabilitation is always a team effort, and each one of these individuals played a significant role in her journey.

We treat indigenous animals free of charge, relying solely on the donations and support of our community.