Chester Zoo python undergoes first known electrochemotherapy for cancer

Unbiased summary

A 15-foot, 50kg reticulated python named Jodie Foster, living at Chester Zoo, became the first known snake to receive electrochemotherapy, a cancer treatment typically used on humans. The 23-year-old snake was diagnosed with a fibrosarcoma in her jaw, which was surgically removed in 2024 but recurred. In a 90-minute procedure involving two operating tables, vets removed the tumour and part of her jawbone, then administered electrochemotherapy to target remaining cancer cells. Months later, Jodie is eating normally, including swallowing whole chickens, and is described by zoo staff as 'bright and feisty.' The procedure was a collaboration with cancer specialists from the University of Liverpool. Ian Ashpole, Chester Zoo's veterinary officer, stated the treatment was likely a first for a snake.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle A pioneering medical achievement and a positive animal welfare story, with emphasis on the collaborative, innovative nature of the treatment.

Bias The Guardian frames the story as a groundbreaking veterinary milestone, highlighting the 'pioneering' aspect and the cooperation with cancer specialists. It focuses on the scientific and emotional narrative, including the snake's recovery and the staff's concern. Compared to the Independent, it omits some specific details like the use of heated blankets and the drug's mechanism, but stays close to the facts, though with a slightly more heroic tone.

Python named Jodie Foster first snake to receive pioneering cancer treatment

The Independent centre-left

Angle A straightforward world-first medical success story with additional technical detail.

Bias The Independent covers the story fairly neutrally but adds context about the treatment process (bleomycin, electrical pulses) and includes a quote from a university expert, giving it a more technical angle. It does not add sensational language but does highlight the 'world-first' aspect prominently. It omits the detail about the python's name origin, which is present in other outlets, but deviates little from the objective facts.

15-foot python benefits from human cancer treatment in world-first

Daily Mail right

Angle A light-hearted, human-interest story with pun-filled headlines, focusing on the unusual and charming aspects.

Bias The Daily Mail uses a playful tone with puns ('Fangs a lot!') and emphasises the snake's name and character, making the story more anecdotal than clinical. It includes extra details like final health checks and the snake eating thawed chickens, but adds no significant factual deviation. However, the framing downplays the scientific complexity and instead celebrates the animal's recovery and the zoo's success, with a slightly sensationalist style compared to the Guardian or Independent.

Fangs a lot! Sick snake called Jodie Foster given human cancer therapy