Rehoboth snake catcher calls for snake park
Nicholas Eksteen, a snake catcher from Rehoboth with more than 30 years of experience, is advocating for the establishment of a snake park in the Hardap Region to educate learners about local snake species and promote the safe handling of these reptiles.
Eksteen, who began catching snakes at the age of 15, developed his skills under the guidance of his grandfather while growing up. His decades of experience have inspired him to share his knowledge with younger generations.
He believes a snake park would provide an educational platform where learners could gain a better understanding of Namibia’s snake species, learn how to identify them and discover how to respond safely when encountering them.
The proposed facility would also offer learners practical exposure to snakes, helping them understand the importance of responsible interaction with the reptiles while recognising the potential dangers they pose.
Through hands-on learning, Eksteen hopes to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to distinguish between different snake species and behave appropriately when encountering them in their communities. The initiative could also help address misconceptions and fear surrounding snakes by providing learners with accurate information about their identification, behaviour and safe handling.
With his extensive experience in snake catching, Eksteen hopes the proposed snake park will become a valuable educational resource for the Hardap Region, promoting awareness and encouraging responsible attitudes towards Namibia’s local wildlife.
