Chester Zoo python receives first snake electrochemotherapy cancer treatment

Chester Zoo’s 23‑year‑old reticulated python, Jodie Foster, has returned to her typical active behavior after undergoing electrochemotherapy to treat a tumour in her jaw. The 15‑foot, 50‑kilogram snake was the first reptile worldwide to receive the pioneering cancer treatment, which is normally reserved for human patients. Keepers first noted her decline when she began eating less and spending more time inactive in her enclosure, prompting veterinary assessment and the decision to pursue the experimental therapy.

The procedure involved delivering a brief electric pulse to the tumour site to enhance the uptake of chemotherapy drugs, effectively targeting the cancer cells while minimizing systemic effects. Following the treatment, Jodie Foster resumed regular feeding patterns and displayed the feisty demeanor for which she is known. Her successful recovery highlights the potential of electrochemotherapy as a viable option for managing malignancies in exotic species, offering a new avenue for veterinary oncology in zoological collections.