There’s something about the number 222 that feels… right. Maybe it’s the symmetry, maybe it’s the repetition, or maybe it’s because I started rescuing snakes on 22.2.22. (Yes, I’m a numbers guy. Can you tell?) Yesterday (19th Sept – International Snakebite Awareness Day), I completed my 222nd snake rescue—and let me tell you, the universe knows how to deliver in style. Rescue number 222 was a Rock Python, my first-ever rescue of this incredible, gentle giant.
Now, if you know me, you know that numbers run in the family. Sr Nanu, could take any random licence plate number—say, 9621—and turn it into a mathematical mystery that sounds like the coolest thing ever. So, naturally, I’ve inherited this knack for finding magic in numbers, and here I am, grinning about 222 snake rescues in little over 2 years. Out of which, 122 were venomous ones. Talk about synchronicity!
Back to the Python. What a beauty! Rescuing this majestic snake from an urban setup was completely overwhelming. It’s moments like these that make the long, (sometimes) thankless hours of snake rescue work worth every second.
Here’s the thing—snake rescues aren’t always appreciated the way they should be. We deal with creatures that send shivers down most people’s spines, and while we’re at it, we often face fear, suspicion, and sometimes even hostility. People don’t realize that these animals are vital to the ecosystem. Instead of giving in to the fear that Bollywood (Please watch ‘Dhood ka Karz’ from 2 hours 22 mins. Not kidding one bit.) has kindly gifted us, we should be protecting them.
Rock Pythons, for instance, are non-venomous and play a crucial role in controlling the rodent population. But they, like most snakes, are vilified simply for existing. And that’s where people like us come in, who drop everything to save these misunderstood creatures.
Each of these 222 rescues has a ripple effect in the community. Every time someone calls us, instead of grabbing a stick, that’s one more person who’s learned that snakes aren’t villains—they’re just animals trying to survive, like the rest of us. We’re shifting mindsets, one snake at a time.
And so, while 222 might just be a number to some, to me, it’s a reminder of the countless hours spent in service to these magnificent creatures, of the small but significant changes we’re making in conservation and community awareness, and of how satisfying it is to give these beautiful animals another chance to live.
Here’s to more rescues, more numbers, and more moments that remind us why we do what we do.
When you spot a snake, keep calm and call your local snake rescuer. We’ve got this!
All of these 222 are documented here.