Mike travels to Tanzania to learn about the Wonunguli tribe, a subgroup of the Zigua tribe, who have dedicated themselves to traditional snake medicine and handling. They are known for dancing with snakes, including poisonous ones like the black mamba. Mike meets the tribe's leader, Minimbo, and learns about their mission to educate people about snakes and promote coexistence. The tribe believes that by showing people that snakes are not inherently dangerous, they can reduce fear and violence towards them. Mike participates in a traditional dance with the tribe, where they handle and dance with snakes, including a black mamba. Throughout the experience, Mike reflects on the importance of understanding and respecting animals, and encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the pros and cons of the tribe's practices.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Wonunguli is a clan of the Zigua tribe in Tanzania.
2. The Wonunguli are devoted to traditional snake medicine and handling.
3. They believe in educating people about snakes to reduce fear and danger.
4. The Wonunguli use defanged snakes in their performances.
5. The black mamba is considered one of the most poisonous snakes in the world.
6. The venom of the black mamba can stop the heart, lungs, and brain function, leading to death within three hours.
7. Minimbo is the leader and master snake handler of the Wonunguli.
8. Minimbo inherited traditional snake handling from his father.
9. The Wonunguli travel to educate people about snakes and show them the differences between species.
10. They also relocate snakes that enter villages to prevent harm to humans and snakes.
11. The Wonunguli have a tradition of dancing with snakes, which is a way of bonding with them.
12. The Zigua tribe performs a traditional dance called Sero, which is not necessarily about snakes.
13. The Wonunguli have a special headband that indicates a person is qualified to become a Wonunguli.
14. The boomslang is a deadly snake that is also handled by the Wonunguli.
15. The green mamba is another poisonous snake that is handled by the Wonunguli.