Python at Chester Zoo becomes first snake to receive electrochemotherapy

A 4.5-meter python named Jodie Foster, residing at the Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom, has become the world’s first snake to undergo electrochemotherapy. This landmark medical procedure was initiated after the reptile was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant tumor known as fibrosarcoma in her jaw. The condition initially manifested through a loss of appetite and decreased movement, prompting veterinary staff to intervene.

Following an initial surgical removal, the tumor returned and began affecting the jawbone, necessitating a more advanced approach. Veterinarians decided to adapt techniques typically reserved for human oncology to save the animal's life. Several months after the innovative treatment, the python has made a full recovery, having returned to her normal behavior and feeding habits. Caregivers at the zoo report that the snake has regained her vitality and is currently exhibiting no further signs of the illness, marking a major milestone in the field of veterinary medicine for exotic animals.