Well-known Helderberg wildlife rescuer Rico Pentz dies of cobra bite
Image: Rico Pentz via Facebook
Messages expressing sadness and shock are pouring in for wildlife rehabilitation and education specialist Rico Pentz, from Strand near Cape Town, who died after a cobra bit him.
Pentz, 39, a husband and father of three, was attending to a call out when he was bitten by the snake last Wednesday. He was administered anti-venom in hospital but died on Sunday.
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Image: Rico Pentz via Facebook
He had previously been bitten twice, including by a puffadder in 2018 which required a skin graft on his arm and extensive treatment.
A year ago he posed for photos of a snake tattoo he had commissioned to cover the large scar.
He worked at the Eagle Encounters non-profit wildlife conservation organisation at Spier Estate and had started his own Helderberg Wildlife Rescue group.
“Rico was an all-round animal lover and great snake catcher who will be missed dearly,” said Blackie Swart, a fellow snake relocation expert.
Friend George Kruger described him as a “dedicated animal lover and an extraordinary soul”.
He said: “The world mourns the loss of someone who always went the extra mile, leaving behind a void that echoes with the gratitude of rescued animals and the hearts of friends.”
Friends of Pentz have created a Back-a-Buddy page to raise funds to cover his medical and funeral costs.
TimesLIVE