Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEleanor BarlowFriday 21 August 2026 01:22 BSTThe 23-year-old reticulated python has returned to her ‘bright and feisty self’ after receiving electrochemotherapy (Chester Zoo/PA)Jodie Foster, a 23-year-old reticulated python at Chester Zoo, is believed to be the first snake in the world to receive electrochemotherapy.Vets and cancer specialists performed a 90-minute operation to remove a recurring malignant tumour from her jawbone before administering the treatment.The innovative procedure combined the cancer drug bleomycin with electrical pulses to target remaining cancerous cells.Recent checks confirmed there are no signs of the cancer returning, with the python fully recovering her appetite and normal behaviour.Details of the groundbreaking procedure will be published to help veterinary professionals worldwide treat similar cases.In full15-foot python benefits from human cancer treatment in world-firstMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in