Draco’s daddy came to fetch him

GEORGE NEWS - When BCom student Roelof Naudé (21) lost his pet snake at his private residence in Stellenbosch two months ago, he was really sad.

“I’ve shed a tear and looked for him forever,” said the Georgian, who is currently visiting his parents during the school holidays. “Draco is a ball python, and I’ve had him since he was a baby.”

Helping out at his dad’s business, Naudé received a call earlier today, 18 July, from the car dealership in George to which he sold his vehicle a week ago.

“They asked me if I’d lost a snake. I was so happy to hear they found him. I couldn’t believe it,” says Naudé, who immediately asked for a break during his shift at SPAR Wellington Square and went to fetch his pet.

Apparently, a customer had browsed among the cars at the dealership and spotted the snake on a seat. “It was so unreal,” says Naudé, “but it all makes sense. I lost him in the beginning of winter. Snakes like to be warm; I think he stayed hidden in the car because of the heat.”

Naudé has had Draco for three years, and received him as a gift from his tattoo artist in Stellenbosch. Draco is currently about 75cm and weighs 1.5kg. A ball python can tip the scale at 5kg and live up to 30 years.

“Draco is completely harmless and used to being handled. He was absolutely starving and very thirsty. I raced home and gave him a bowl of water, and defrosted a rat. Snakes can go months without eating. The rat will last him weeks.”

Naudé says Draco is very comfortable and likes to be around people. “In the beginning, my girlfriend had to get used to his presence, but now she’s happy to hold him.”

Naudé is full of praise for the car dealership and one of its employees, whom he says handled the situation like a professional.

Roelof and Draco, his pet python.