Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Has he discovered a new type of snake?
Unfortunately not. Even more unfortunately, he has just been bitten by a rather big one. O'Shea was feeding the King Cobra a rat at West Midland Safari Park on Sunday when the 10-foot serpent sunk its teeth into his leg. King Cobras are one of the deadliest snakes around – the venom of one bite can kill an elephant – so it was a pretty hairy moment for the experienced reptile handler.
Sounds like a bad day at the office
Yes, but 56-year-old O'Shea is not known for shying away from danger. Over the past 30 years the herpetologist (amphibian and reptile expert) and TV presenter has gone on over 60 expeditions around the world, seeking out many rare, and lethal, reptiles. He is very well respected in his field and has written extensively on snakes and their venom. When West Midland Safari's reptile house was first set up in 1987, it was mostly stocked with specimens from his own personal collection and, in 2009, it was renamed after the man himself.
Was this his first big bite?
Far from it. In 1993 he almost died after being bitten by a canebrake rattlesnake in the very same Safari Park. He spent nine days in hospital and was still recovering fully a year later. Since then he has had more than his fair share of bites from a wide range of lizards, snakes and insects.
Will he survive?
Thanks to the quick work of the on-site first aid team, O'Shea was rapidly treated with anti-venom. They also immobilised his leg preventing the poison from spreading through his blood stream and Midlands Air Ambulance then ferried him to hospital to recover.
He went straight back to the wildlife park after being discharged yesterday morning.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments