Chester Zoo python cancer-free after pioneering electrochemotherapy
A 23-year-old python at Chester Zoo has been declared cancer-free after pioneering electrochemotherapy, a first for snakes.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A 23-year-old python named Jodie Foster at Chester Zoo has been declared cancer-free after undergoing pioneering electrochemotherapy, a technique more commonly used on humans. The snake, which weighs over 40 kilos and measures more than 15 feet, had a tumour in her mouth that was first removed by the zoo's vet team about a year ago. When the tumour returned, the team teamed up with the University of Liverpool to try the novel treatment on a snake for the first time.
The procedure required two operating tables to be pushed together to accommodate the python's size. She was sedated throughout, and keepers helped move her from her enclosure to the vet centre. Irie Gill, a keeper who has been looking after Jodie Foster, described the surgery as "miraculous" and said the snake is now back to normal.
Electrochemotherapy involves using electric pulses to make cancer cells more permeable to chemotherapy drugs, allowing a lower dose to be used. The success at Chester Zoo could pave the way for the technique to be used on other animals in similar circumstances. Gill noted that while they believe it is the first time it has been performed on a snake, it may be considered for other species in the future.
The zoo's vet team, along with specialists from the University of Liverpool, carried out the procedure. Gill acknowledged the risks involved with any animal surgery, but praised the expertise of the team. Jodie Foster is now cancer-free and has returned to her normal behaviour, much to the relief of her keepers.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| A python with a mouth tumour that returned after removal was treated with electrochemotherapy in collaboration with the University of Liverpool and is now cancer-free. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused on the human interest and remarkable nature of the story, featuring a live interview with keeper Irie Gill. It highlighted the snake's size, the collaborative effort with the University of Liverpool, and the potential for the technique to be used on other animals. The tone was upbeat and celebratory, emphasising the successful outcome.
- “It's an incredible story, actually.”
- “She is 23 years old. She's a little over 40 kilos and over 15 feet long.”
- “So it is, we do think it's the first time it's been performed on a snake.”
Broadcast Timeline
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