Snake researcher’s untimely demise is first death in UK in 150 years

Press Release - Federation of British Herpetologists
For immediate release 29.06.2011

Luke Yeomans, one of the UK’s foremost and most respected venomous snake experts, has sadly passed away whilst administering to one of his beloved animals. Full details of the circumstances of this tragic event are as yet unclear but his family can take comfort in the knowledge that he died, as he had lived, caring for the king cobras which he had dedicated his life to protecting.

Mr Yeomans had established a sanctuary for the king cobra, the world’s largest venomous snake, which is sadly endangered in the wild and he felt passionately that captive-breeding was an imperative safety net in the face of potential species extinction. His enthusiasm and passion for king cobras and his in-depth knowledge, built up over a lifetime of experience, was the focus of his life and it is hoped that the legacy of his contribution to their conservation will live on after his untimely demise.

Whilst this is undoubtedly a great tragedy, Mr Yeomans was a licensed venomous snake keeper who accepted the implicit risks involved and considered this justifiable in the face of his invaluable contribution to science. Like many others at the forefront of their chosen field, Luke pushed boundaries and paid the ultimate price for his work and his death follows many in the fields of sport and human endeavour who have gone before him.

Sadly, Luke was the first snake-keeper in the UK to lose his life whilst pursuing his passion but it is important not to let knee-jerk reactions to a tragic situation lead to a witch hunt against the animals to which he showed so much dedication.

Chris Newman
Chairman Federation of British Herpetologists

Tel: 023 8044 0999
Mobile: 07897 692060
E-mail: chris-newman@cviewmedia.com

I too am very saddened by Lukes untimely demise.
But really ??? "Press Release - Federation of British Herpetologists" press release to who?? Please dont start your games and take advantage of what has turned out to be a very sad loss to the reptile world.

R.I.P Luke

Folks: once again,please try to remember that there is a grieving family out there, and they may at some point decide to see what the reaction of the herp community was after Luke's passing. Everyone is entitled to their views, and there are plenty of places and times to express them, but right now and in a thread on this topic, if people have nothing positive to say, then it might be a good time to say nothing at all.

I don't necessarily disagree with your comments about the risks of free handling vens, but there is a time and place. Putting those comments in this thread is inappropriate. A man is dead, surely the best thing is to leave him be.

apologies

Luke was a close personal friend we'd been buddies for 26 years.
I am currently going through the whole range of emotions, today is anger.

regards Tim Hallam.

That's okay, Tim, i understand that.

I will not tolerate any further personal attacks or remarks here, from no side of the fence!
I think Luke himself wouldn't like that - and our thoughts should be with his family in these days.

Peter

Very tragic and a big loss. Hopefully not for the Kings and the sancuary. Really sad.
My condolences to his family.

Rgrds, Ro.