From Rescue To Release

Posted on Mon September 8, 2025.

While carrying out their daily tasks near our workshop, our maintenance team spotted an unexpected visitor — a Red-lipped Herald. This striking little snake is native to Southern Africa and is easily identified by the reddish-orange tint around its mouth. Although mildly venomous, the Red-lipped Herald is considered harmless to humans and plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

On closer inspection, our Animal Care team noticed an old injury on the snake’s tail, with a small piece of bone exposed. The snake was carefully transported to a veterinarian, where the damaged section of tail was humanely amputated to ensure a safe recovery. After surgery, the Herald was brought to our Care Centre, where it was closely monitored until fully healed.

The happiest moment came when the snake was strong and healthy enough to return to the wild. The release was carried out by Tamryn Roux, one of our dedicated Wild Animal Volunteer Hosts, who works closely with our Zoological Department and is trained to assist with safe wildlife releases. Watching the snake glide back into the vegetation was a rewarding reminder of the difference care and teamwork can make.

Whether it is a large predator or a small snake, every life is valued, and we will always do our very best to assist.

Did You Know?

  • The Red-lipped Herald's scientific name is Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia.
  • They are nocturnal snakes, often found near water or in damp habitats.
  • Their diet includes frogs, small lizards, and occasionally rodents, making them important natural pest controllers.
  • When threatened, they put on quite a show - inflating their necks and hissing dramatically to scare off predators.
  • Despite their defensive display, they are shy snakes and pose little threat to humans.
     

Further Reading

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