pet is certainly one of the more difficult scenarios we We take great pleasure in the rehabilitation and care of
commonly face. I'm always amazed at the acceptance of these animals, but as a small business it’s a constant
pet owners who obviously understand that though their juggle to manage limited rehab space and resources.
beloved companion is gone, the snake meant no malice. It While I’m learning every day, I certainly don’t have the
was simply hungry or frightened, and acted instinctively.
expertise to do this work alone, and a broad support
network is required. Without the combined efforts of
volunteers, non-profit wildlife organisations, a network of
Snakes themselves are of course susceptible to a variety of
injuries and health conditions. Cuts, punctures and lacera-
tions frequently result from dog or cat attacks, and snakes
are also commonly caught in netting or fencing materials,
other snake handlers and reptile specialists, and some
incredibly dedicated veterinarians, we would be unable to
provide these animals with the necessary care, treatment
and monitoring they deserve.
and subject to vehicle strike, or occasionally a misguided
human wielding a long, sharp object, Reptiles often fall
victim to their slow metabolism on cool mornings when
basking can expose them to a range of potential hazards.
Time is of the essence when dealing with rescue
situations, as the animal is often in need of rapid health
assessment and on-site treatment, followed by transport to
veterinary care, or occasionally (despite our best efforts)
euthanasia. Those that can be rehabilitated and released as
functional, reproductive members of the population may
eventually end up in one of our rehabilitation enclosures
at home, often with a treatment regime. Care must be
taken to avoid cross-contamination with healthy snakes,
as many viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites such as
mites are easily communicable and might break contain-
ment if precautions are not adequate.
1.
‘Time is of the essence.’
1.
One of the many egg clusters
that get disturbed by garden or
earthworks each year, that may
require incubation and care
until hatching.
2. A severely dehydrated
python receiving fluid therapy.
3. An Eastern Brown Snake
with a paralysis tick lodged
between the subocular scales.
4. An x-ray of an Eastern
Brown Snake following small
dog bite showing a broken spine
and damaged ribs.
2.