Black Mamba | Racing Pigeons | Janssen | Van Loon | Mount Moreland Lofts

The reputation of Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons is one of breeding excellence within the global racing fraternity. Most of us have witnessed the synchronized flight of racing pigeons as they circle above the heads of suburban South Africa, but perhaps not many know much about these sporting fowls past grouping them with their poor relations, the “vermin” of our inner cities.

However, for fanciers (or handlers to the uninitiated) of these agile creatures, it is a sport of kings. (South Africa even hosts The Million Dollar Pigeon Race to which contenders “flock” from all corners of the world) The sport demands superior pedigree from exceptional breeding lines, with which Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons is synonymous.

Imported from Belgium, Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons are the royalty of the racing pigeon world. Fanciers import these birds to create a foundation flock for “line” and “cross” breeding, which produces a strong competitor with a lineage of wins. It requires effort, skill and needless to say, financial investment to breed a team of winners.

Imagine then, the value and care that is placed on a coveted family of Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons, and even more so the nerve shattering stress involved when any threat is posed to a stock of Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons.

This was a recent experience by local breeder Mark Raubenheimer, when a Black Mamba ensconced itself in his “foundation” loft of (need we mention, treasured!?) Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons.

While checking on the pigeons he discovered a large Black Mamba coiled on one of the pigeon perches. Pandemonium ensued with his only thought being “how many of my Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons have I lost to this creature already!?” 

He commandeered support, in the form of a torch wielding comrade and a stick, determined to save the racing pigeons. The mamba was challenged and glided through the loft and out through a ventilation duct!

Now, a flock of Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons, although of the most royal blood lines, does not hold its composure well in the face of a black mamba! 

The mamba is still on the prowl leaving the case open, and the worry for this racing aficionado over his precious Janssen and Van Loon Racing Pigeons remains.

Contact Mark on +27837901708 or raubenheimerl.m@telkomsa.net