A Back-a-Buddy campaign has raised over R26 000 to assist the family of a well-known Stellenbosch snake catcher and animal rescuer, who passed away over the weekend, after being bitten by a Cape Cobra.

The 39 year old Rico Pentz is believed to have been been bitten while on a call-out in Strand on Wednesday 17 January, and reportedly died in hospital on Sunday.

This was after receiving 8 viles of anti-venom in an attempt to save his life.

Pentz had been bitten by a snake at least once before, narrowly escaping death in May 2022.

He was the founder of Helderberg Wildlife Rescue, and also worked at Eagle Encounters at Spier.

Pentz’ family and friends started the crowd funding campaign as he didn’t have a hospital plan or funeral policy. They aim to raise R60 000.

Tributes have been pouring in for Pentz, most notably from his wife Eva Nelipot Freedom, who posted a heartbreaking farewell to Rico on Facebook.

According to her profile, she jointly ran Helderberg Wildlife Rescue with Pentz.