JUST the sight of snakes can strike fear into the hearts of many people and the idea of having one – even a small one – in your home can be terrifying.
So, the prospect of a fortnight of sharing an enclosed space with 10 snakes, one a 4m reticulated python, would send shivers down many a spine.
However, for Jeru “Greenfingers” von Claassen, 36, owner of the Animals in Wonderland animal sanctuary and education centre in Greenbushes, the next two weeks will serve as a fundraiser and “spiritual reprieve” as she locks herself in a room with at least 10 non-venomous pythons and boas.
“The idea is to raise funds for us to keep Animals in Wonderland operational and to maybe expand our facility in the near future,” she said yesterday.
“The landowners might be looking to sell the plot where we operate from now, and we would like to buy it from them.”
Along with her husband Juan, 37, and their two daughters – Cassandra, 17, and Jade, 14 – they started Animals in Wonderland in 2009.
Most of the animals, including reptiles, mammals and predatory birds, were rescued and are now used for youth education.
“The aim of our facility is to get children back in touch with nature and to educate the next generation about some of the animals around them,” Von Claassen said.
In the seven years Animals in Wonderland has been active, Von Claassen estimates that about 40 000 children have visited their facility.
“During the two weeks, we will upload daily videos on our YouTube and social media platforms,” Von Claassen said.
“Each video will be dedicated to one of the snakes in the room, or one of the other animals we look after.
“Even if we don’t raise any funds, we hope the project raises some awareness about these animals.”
It had been decided to use non-venomous snakes as she would be responsible for feeding them as well – and snakes tend to become aggressive at feeding times.
“There is a good chance that one of the snakes may bite me while I feed them, and while a bite from a non-venomous snake hurts a lot, it won’t be fatal,” she said.
The “Snake Room” has an en suite bathroom, bed and desk with a laptop from where Von Claassen will do her daily video uploads.
“There is more than enough room for visitors and anyone is welcome to join me and my roommates for a cup of coffee over the next two weeks,” Von Claassen said.
The post WATCH: Cuddling slithering reptiles for a cause appeared first on HeraldLIVE.