Jodie Foster, a 23-year-old reticulated python weighing 110 pounds, has successfully recovered from a malignant tumor after receiving electrochemotherapy—a treatment widely used in human cancer patients but never before tried on a snake.
- First-ever use of electrochemotherapy on a snake
- Treatment combines chemotherapy with electric pulses to target cancer cells
- Successful recovery offers new hope for animal cancer care
What happened
Jodie Foster, a large reticulated python residing at Chester Zoo in England, was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor in her jaw that impeded her ability to eat. Initial surgery could not fully eradicate the cancer, and the tumor recurred, prompting zoo veterinary staff to seek alternative treatments.
Partnering with cancer specialists at the University of Liverpool, the team applied electrochemotherapy—an approach combining low-dose chemotherapy and short electric pulses to destroy cancer cells directly. This innovative procedure, commonly used in human medicine but new to reptiles, targeted the residual tumor cells and proved effective. Following treatment, Jodie has returned to her usual active, feisty behavior.
Why it feels good
This breakthrough highlights the power of cross-species medical collaboration, demonstrating that treatments developed for humans can be adapted to support wildlife health. Jodie’s successful recovery marks a first in veterinary oncology for snakes and shows how innovative thinking can pave the way for expanded care options.
Beyond saving one impressive python, this advancement provides renewed optimism for animals suffering from cancer in captivity and potentially in the wild. It emphasizes the willingness of veterinary experts to try new methods and extend life-saving technology across species boundaries, reinforcing the value of compassionate, innovative animal care.
What to enjoy or watch next
Chester Zoo has documented Jodie Foster’s treatment journey in a video showing everything from the surgery to electrochemotherapy application and her subsequent recovery. Watching this video offers a fascinating look at the teamwork and care involved in treating a 15-foot-long snake with cancer—a reminder of the dedication behind animal conservation and veterinary care.
As electrochemotherapy for animals gains attention, future cases may arise where this treatment or other human medical advances are adapted for rare or difficult-to-treat animal conditions. Animal lovers and conservation communities can look forward to more stories where innovation and compassion combine to give creatures like Jodie a second chance at life.