Renowned reptile man Dingo dies | The Witness

Tributes are pouring in for local snake handler and conservationist Dingo Dinkelman, who succumbed to a venemous snake bite, following a prolonged hospital stay.

His wife, Kirsty Dinkelman, broke the news in a message on Saturday.

Dinkelman, who was bitten by a snake last month, had been fighting for his life after being placed in an induced comma due to his allergy to snake venom.

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“Dingo fought incredibly hard throughout this very difficult period. We know that he was fighting to be here with us, and we are so grateful for this.

“Sadly, despite his strength and resilience, my beloved husband passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family,” his wife said.

She thanked everyone for their support and love over the past few weeks.

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We have experienced such comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world,” she said.

His wife said his presence had brought a lot of “warmth, love, passion, and laughter” to the lives of many and that she and others will always love and celebrate him for the impact he had on their lives.

The popular snake handler amassed tens of thousands of followers online with his videos showing his daring conservation efforts, often involving the rescue of dangerous reptiles. He also established Dingo’s Farm and Reptile Park at Piggly Wiggly in the Midlands.