Durban - The death of herpetologist Ryan Soobrayan has sent shockwaves throughout the world.
The former Phoenix resident died at the weekend after being bitten by a Black Mamba while extracting its venom for medical use. His funeral will take place at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic church in Midrand on Thursday.
While friends and family share messages of condolences and memories of Soobrayan a video of him has also emerged being interviewed by Brian Barczyk of SnakeBytesTv some years ago.
Soobrayan, who relocated with his parents from Durban to Gauteng, was a snake farm manager for African Reptiles and Venom (ARV). The company provides snake identification and awareness, snakebite treatment and first aid venomous snake handling.
Last week Wednesday, the fang of a Black Mamba punctured his finger while he was extracting its venom.
Mike Perry the owner of ARV said Soobrayan explained that Soobrayan had a severe anaphylactic reaction from the Mamba venom.
"His untimely demise was not due to the bite but as a result of anaphylaxis. We are devasted by the incident. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction," he said.