Andre Barnard put on his bravery boots to rescue a tiny climbing mouse and snakes in distress as they clung to the fences surrounded by icy water. Without hesitation, Andre took the plunge to help the wildlife in distress, warming hearts for his brave act in the bitter cold.
Rietvlei, South Africa (15 July 2024) — When the Cape of Storms reminds us how she got her nickname, bravery becomes a bigger part of locals’ lives. Some brave the weather because work demands it. Those without shelter brave it because there isn’t always another option. Some (like those who canoe through the watery streets) brave it to make a little fun out of the hectic. And some brave it simply because they’re called to help another who can’t brave it for themselves—like Andre Barnard who responded to the call of duty to rescue wildlife in distress.
Last week when the weather was out in full force, Davine Sansom and her son Andre who are qualified snake handlers, received notification that snakes were hanging on the fence at Rietvlei on the R27 and went to assist.
After some driving in the yellow lane, with eagle eyes, Andre managed to spot the snakes. However, a watery barrier stood between him and them.
He immediately went into the ice-cold water to free them from their struggle as Davine tells Good Things Guy, ensuring that she would get to stay warm and dry.
Andre waded waist-deep through the water to get to the wildlife in distress and managed to successfully rescue the Skaapsteker and brown water snakes as well as a little climbing mouse—a very big brave act for very small, often narrowly favoured creatures who most would’ve left to fend for themselves.
Indeed, there is something wonderfully heartwarming about the kind of person who would go through all that cold to save even the smallest lives from distress!
Flooding seasons are a time when many heroes rise to the occasion for reasons of all magnitudes. Last year in September, Davine and Andre rescued a whopping total of 64 snakes chameleons and skinks—all animals who benefit from their careful hands.
Why do Snakes Need a Little Help from Their Friends?
As Davine explains:
“Snakes are good swimmers but being cold blooded and the icy cold water makes it difficult for them to swim long distances and they can drown.”
What brave act of kindness have you seen or done during the severe Cape weather? Let us know on info@goodthingsguy.com!
Sources: Email Submission—Davine Sansom
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