Donald Schultz

Herper of the Month

Donald Schultz

"Looking at my life, I have never been so happy. Due to a series of unplanned and very fortunate events, I have landed in the reptile world and the action seems to be non stop. Born in South Africa, I started working with reptiles at a young age, I was extremely fortunate to get an internship at Fitzsimons Snake Park when I was 13 years old and got a sound schooling in herpetology very early on. Catching venomous snakes became second nature and this affliction has continued to later life. I had some of the kindest people nurturing my early career at the snake park, people that still play a huge part in my life today. I also remember reading books by authors that now are personal friends. I idolized these guys and now they are merely an email away. Mind blowing!!"

"I moved to the states in 02 and made a few key acquaintances, Ed Pirog introduced me to many of the people that I know and do business with today. Thanks mate!! I have since met many amazing people and continue meeting people every day that shape my life in every aspect. Ok, enough gushing!"

A Story from the field:

The Snake story behind the Mamba and Rhino picture--- Ok, so Thea (owns a snake park in Swaziland), Devon (cameraman and research associate) and Clifton were releasing mambas in a game reserve in Swaziland. Well, started off bad when a freshly caught cobra spat at me and the venom got past my glasses and I get some venom in my eye. Not too much, and I soldiered on. Next, we released a black mamba, python and moved onto the next mamba. Well, the fauna included two hippos in the water, two rhinos out, and ostrich and the mamba. A journalist from South Africa was there and doing a story on the whole capture and release program, so after a few photos, the mamba slid off towards the water. Well, half way across the lake, a crocodile surfaced just behind the poor mamba. I ran to the water’s edge to trying to catch the crocs attention, nothing worked and the croc ate the mamba!! One of the saddest days off my life, but also a demonstration that Africa is Africa!!

"I am currently working for T-Rex Products, full time, have an Eco-Tourism company, write, photograph and am filming avidly. I am currently involved with a variety of projects, research, papers, books and starting an internship program. At this time (end of February) I have already herped 5 countries this year, with another four or five lined up! Life is good."

"The future, who knows??? The industry is in need of help in all aspects. I am trying to be as actively involved in all aspects of reptiles, from laws and legislation to research and PR. Work that was done by pioneers like De Vosjoli and others, needs to be picked up by this generation and followed through. Personally, I would like have more involvement in research and field work, including TV work."

"These are exciting times, and I feel very fortunate to be involved in this industry at this point in its history."

"Thanks to everyone that I work with professionally and personally, and an awesome job is being done by field herp forum to propagate the next generation of herpers!"

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