13/02/2026
Last week, Petrus Pretorius responded to what can only be described as a classic wildlife mystery call… one originally placed to our CEO, Judy Davidson.
The caller was convinced there was a snake in her chimney, and explained that she could hear a persistent hissing sound.
Now, to be fair, a snake could theoretically get into a chimney. Getting stuck there, however, would require a level of poor planning most snakes don’t possess.
As the conversation unfolded, the “hiss” was further described as a rhythmic “shhh… shhh…”
Judy, recognizing this, and thought she had it ironed..
We receive multiple calls every year about barn owl families who decide that chimneys make perfectly acceptable real estate. Their young make food soliciting calls, which sound exactly like this.. (less “venomous reptile,” more “hungry owl teenager).”
As luck would have it, Petrus is not only an adept snake catcher, but also extremely well versed in all things odd, unexpected, and stuck where they shouldn’t be. A perfect match for this particular puzzle.
Before long, the true culprit was safely in hand.. not a snake, not a barn owl.. but a young thrush!
The poor bird had fallen down the chimney and simply couldn’t “fly” its way back out.
Once rescued, Petrus immediately coordinated with Judy to ensure the thrush received the urgent care it needed. The bird will remain in Judy’s care for a short while, and once fully recovered, will be released back where it belongs.. under open skies, not soot covered bricks.
And here’s the part that makes us sigh a little.
Preventing this scenario is painfully simple.
A piece of chicken mesh, correctly sized, placed over the top of a chimney and secured there is all it takes.
One inexpensive addition could save thousands of birds every year. Sadly, not every chimney story ends as happily as this one.
So please, if you have a chimney.. mesh it.
Birds don’t belong in fireplaces, and fireplaces make terrible bird traps.
Thank you for responding to this call Petrus.
You’re an absolute star 💫
