Rico Pentz (39), founder of Helderberg Wildlife Rescue and Anti Animal Cruelty, passed away after being bitten by a snouted cobra last week.
Pentz was taken to the care unit at Mediclinic Vergelegen on Wednesday evening, where he received eight doses of antivenom. He was moved to Tygerberg Hospital on Friday and sadly passed away on Monday.
Also read: SANParks urges vigilance as snake activity rises in TMNP
Pentz’s mother, Rosa Steenkamp informed Netwerk24 that although there may have been a requirement for additional antivenom doses, there was a risk of experiencing anaphylactic shock.
According to Steenkamp, Pentz showed no sign of responding to the antivenom: ‘It seemed as if his body was not responding to the antidote. The doctors say they have never seen such a reaction.’
‘Rico was a person who fought for animals and his family. He did not like injustice and would stand up against it, no matter what it was. He was truly fearless,’ Steenkamp added.
Pentz worked at Eagle Encounters, located on the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. He dedicated himself to rescuing animals, regardless of their species.
Also read:
SPCA guardian finds six rats abandoned in their cage on a public field
Picture: Rico Pentz / Facebook