The man who volunteered to be swallowed by a giant anaconda is alive and well, Discovery Channel reported Wednesday.
Apparently, so is the snake.
News that Discovery Channel would film a segment featuring a man in a "snake-proof suit" being eaten alive by a giant green anaconda prompted protests from animal rights groups. The segment called "Eaten Alive" is slated to air December 7.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued a statement.
"This blatant publicity stunt sounds far-fetched, but if the description is accurate, the snake was tormented and suffered for the sake of ratings—as animals usually do when they’re used for entertainment," the statement read.
"Shame on this pseudo “wildlife expert” for tormenting this animal, and shame on the Discovery Channel for giving him the incentive to do so."
Change.org, meanwhile, created a petition to stop the show because of concerns of animal abuse.
Discovery pushed back and revealed some of the show's outcome by saying that both the snake and snake researcher Paul Rosolie, the volunteer, are "healthy and alive."
Rosolie tweeted that he is a conservationist and did the special to raise awareness for the Amazon.
If u know me - I would never hurt a living thing. But you'll have to watch #EatenAlive to find out how it goes down! http://t.co/QvxZO2dS3V
— Paul Rosolie (@PaulRosolie) November 5, 2014
The suit Rosolie wore is designed to withstand the pressure an anaconda can create. The force has been measured to be the equivalent of having a large school bus being on a person's chest, according to Discovery.
The green anaconda is the largest snake in the world, according to National Geographic. They can grow up to 30 feet long and weigh 550 pounds.
Would you do it? Take the poll.
