Black Mamba, White Witch

Episode image for Black Mamba, White Witch

Episode 4 of 14, Natural World, 2009-2010

Duration: 59 minutes

Wildlife documentary. In the small African kingdom of Swaziland, the black mamba is a snake both feared and revered. During summer, these elegant yet lethal snakes turn up everywhere - in homes, schools and cars - and people are bitten every week. Enter Thea Litschka-Koen, a mum and hotel manager who has become known affectionately as the white witch. She and her husband are on call 24 hours a day to rescue and release black mambas when they get too close for comfort.

But what everyone wants to know is will they come back again? We follow Thea and her team as they set up a pioneering new scientific project: to track the black mambas they release back into the wild, and find out just how these deadly snakes spend their lives.

Last on

Sun 7 Feb 2010 17:10 BBC Two only on England, Northern Ireland, Wales

See all previous episodes for Natural World

  • Photo: Black Mamba

    Photo: Black Mamba

    Hotel manager Thea Litschka-Koen, also known as White Witch, holds a Black Mamba to the camera.

  • Black mamba

    Black mamba

    Highly venomous and feared throughout their range, black mambas are famed for being the fastest and most dangerous snakes in Africa. Their name is derived from the colour of their mouths rather than their skin.

    Wildlife Finder: discover more about one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa

Credits

Presenter
Lenny Henry
Participant
Thea Litschka-Koen
Participant
Clifton Koen
Participant
Graham Alexander
Producer
Jo Scofield

Broadcasts

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