You’ve seen the snakes, now meet the man who will be conducting the exciting reptile demonstrations at the Aquarium from 22 April to 2 May as part of our egg-citing school holiday family programme.
Finding a reptile expert more passionate than snakehandler Francois van Zyl would be a demanding task: Not even nearly losing both arms to an angry reticulated python could deter this all-things-slithery enthusiast from his life’s calling.
“There have been many memorable moments in my career, but getting nailed by one of my 4m-long pythons probably tops the list,” says Francois.
“I had been feeding snakes earlier and my hand smelt like rats. The python grabbed me – its teeth went straight through my fingers – and it coiled around both my arms. I was totally constricted!
“It took a painful 45 minutes to get the animal off, and my hand was out of action for about three months. An extremely adventurous encounter and one I will never forget, but one I also never want to happen again,” he laughs.
Francois started working with snakes and other animals 20 years ago at the age of 10, and at age 11 he caught his first snouted cobra. From there, his love for animals, especially reptiles, ballooned.
“My passion in this field has also become the direction of my studies – I am a zoology student finishing up two modules at the moment. I also run the venom supply company Slithering Fynbos.”
During his educational shows, Francois lets his enthusiasm for reptiles take over, and he uses this to get the audience excited as well.
“For me, it’s about sharing the amazing, world record-breaking facts about every one of the animals I have. If I can get people excited about my passion, I’m happy,” he says.
“Without a doubt, the most important aspect of these fun educational talks is explaining the role of snakes in nature. When people kill snakes, they do so out of fear and ignorance. But if people better understand these creatures, they will instead respect them, and hopefully realise how important they are to us.”
In his personal life, Francois jokes that he has too many hobbies. “I pick wild mushrooms, I try my hand at growing bonsais, I used to be on the Boland bodyboarding team, I love flyfishing and spearfishing, and there are many more!”
When he’s not doing every outdoor activity under the sun, Francois spends time with his “super family”.
“My mom and dad have always supported me in my passion. I am also engaged to a beautiful lady, Kerry-Lee, and she supports me in every way. My brother is the crazy one! He is a fisherman who absolutely loves sharks. He and his crew tag and release them.”
Francois stays in Somerset West, but is soon moving to beautiful Pringle Bay after he gets married in June. Good luck and all the best Francois!
See also:
- Snake shows! Riveting reptiles at the Aquarium
- Egg-citing times at the Two Oceans Aquarium this Easter
- Creepy Crawlies! Puff adders, rattlesnakes and Cape cobras coming this way
- Snakes slither to Aquarium: Snouted cobra, egg eater and mole snake
