Snake Safety 101: EU Zimbabwe Edition

It was far from a typical day at the office for the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe. In place of briefings and meetings, staff and family members gathered for a hands-on snake awareness and safety training with Zimbabwe’s renowned snake expert Chawatama “Chawa” Marimo.

Known affectionately as Chawa, Marimo is a self-taught snake rescuer and conservationist who has spent years safely relocating snakes from residential and commercial areas around Harare. His work bridges the vital gap between human safety and wildlife conservation — a balance that grows ever more important as urban development increasingly overlaps with natural habitats.

The training brought participants face-to-face with some of Zimbabwe’s most formidable reptiles: pythons, snouted cobras, puff adders, brown house snakes, and even the elusive Gaboon viper. Initial reactions ranged from nervous excitement to cautious curiosity, but Chawa’s calm confidence and engaging teaching style quickly turned fear into fascination — and ultimately, respect.

Among the session’s highlights were Chawa’s insights on snakebite first aid, where he outlined practical steps that could make the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and lasting injury. Drawing from his own field experiences, he vividly explained what to do — and what not to do — in the event of a snakebite, grounding each lesson in real-life stories of rescues and medical emergencies.

Equally eye-opening was his discussion on anti-venom accessibility in Zimbabwe — where it can be found, how the medical system responds to snakebite cases, and why acting swiftly and calmly is key. This practical knowledge offered valuable perspective not just on wildlife safety, but on how Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure supports communities living close to nature.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the session came when several brave colleagues — under Chawa’s careful supervision — handled snakes themselves, while others provided enthusiastic moral support from a safe distance. Either way, everyone left with a new appreciation for Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity and for the dedicated conservationists working to protect it.

The Delegation extends warm thanks to Chawatama Marimo for his time, expertise, and unwavering commitment to both wildlife and community safety.