The black mamba is one of Africa’s most dangerous and feared snakes. Most people would kill it on sight. But in the tiny country of Swaziland, one husband and wife team has taken a different approach to the mamba. They’ve initiated a study that they hope will change perceptions of what they feel is the world’s most misunderstood snake. This film premiered November 8, 2009.
76 Responses to “Video: Full Episode”
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What is the name of the bird who builds their nest away from the tree (hanging down from the branches) to avoid the mamba.
I love your programs.
Jo Anne, those are the ‘Weaver Birds’ because they actually weave their nests together. They are not just trying to escape the mambas and other snakes but other predators that live in the area. Light branches over water make for a really good, safe location! About made me homesick to watch the video~ we lived in Manzini ‘87-’91[middle veld] and the cane is in the low veld, looking toward the Mozambique Escarpment. the families in the rural areas~ the fear of the snakes coming back is palpable in the video and I can testify that it is as presented!!
cool thanks for the great video!!!!
I was born in Swaziland I remember killing snakes in the garden and near the house. We are taught how from age seven on.
I find it absolutely fascinating that she is the aggressor when it comes to the snakes and he is passive. It’s so odd in human nature. I’m am frightened of snakes, but I do believe that knowledge is power. Keep up the good work and my God bless you and keep you.
Why risk human life. Just termanate the snakes.
Black Mambas are NOT vicious killers that seek humans and baby animals to murder. Nor are they a reproduction of Satan in a physical form. When they kill, they kill because they are defending themselves or looking for food, no worse than when we kill chickens and pigs for our food. And as for defense, what would you do if a huge strange beast came charging down on you and looked as if it intended to kill you? Try everything in your power to stop it or get away, right? That’s what snakes do. They can’t suddenly change into vegetarians either; they just aren’t made for that. Animals are incapable of sinning or doing anything that is not instinct. They just do what they’re supposed to do. I say that ALL animals deserve our protection and sympathy, since they aren’t trying to corrupt the earth or anything.
I love the girl with the bag, perhaps it’s a carpet bag! Hugs, Heidi
Bill O’Rielly’s show was discussing the body scanners and one lady in the discussion said,”I would just walk right through those scanners, I have nothing to hide!”And Bill O’Rielly said,”That’s right, you have absolutely nothing to hide.”
Black mambas are creepy. my teacher encountered one on her visit to Africa. she just backed away slole not to trigger it.
Remarkable issues here. I’m very satisfied to peer your post. Thanks so much and I am looking ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Your article talks about the route *from* AT&T’s network *to* Facebook, and your diagram’s arrow shows that. But the text in the diagram mentions the opposite direction.
oh joy, like this world needs a poisonous snake savior. People seriously need to use their time better. This isn’t noble to me it’s STUPID.
Fascinating video! I knew very little about the Black Mamba before this. Very informative and quite entertaining! :)
Thea,
I’m under-informed about this, but it seems to me that educating Swazilanders (?) as chemists and venom specialists to produce antivenin for native species would be the surest and most economical way to insure a reliable supply. As someone who was raised in 1960’s America, it’s difficult to grasp a situation where people die for a lack of a medicine. My hat’s off to you for your work in the face of such difficult conditions. I’m sure your Clifton knows what a lucky guy he is to have such a humane and feisty life partner. Where can I send a contribution to Clifton and Thea’s work?
Hal
Thea and Clifton are you still out there in Swaziland? I lived in your beautiful country in 1990. I have been writing about my African experience (1987-2012) during the many visits in and out….. always longing to return.
One of my stories is about my fear of black mambas. Your program taught me a lot. Never saw a mamba,
but always afraid I would. I would love to have email contact with you if possible.
Hopefully I will hear from you. Wanting to contact with SOMEONE in Swaziland, to help explain several of my incredible adventures. Thank you for your work, courage and vision! Jeannine Smith