The wide-spread Discovery Channel has released a controversial trailer for its website in which naturalist and wildlife filmmaker Paul Rosolie is filmed being eaten alive by an anaconda.
Discovery Channel released two promos for the special ‘Eaten Alive’, its next big television event, featuring Rosolie.“Eaten Alive” is another Discovery’s attempt to create viral TV programs to interest people who can’t miss watching something as it happens.
A screen-grab from a video promotion of the Discovery show “Eaten Alive”.
The wildlife expert was wearing a protective snake-proof suit (as he showed in one of the promos), which will allow him to come out uninjured.Rosalie says in one of the trailers as his team is shown catching a snake:
“I am about to be the first person that is going to be eaten alive by an anaconda. I don’t expect anyone to believe us until we show it.”
The MSN.com reported:
“Fully grown anacondas can grow to more than 29 feet (8.8 meters) in length, weigh over 550 pounds (249 kilograms) and measure more than one foot (30 centimeters) in diameter.”
The idea of ‘Eaten Alive’ has already come under fire from animal rights’ campaigners and people worried about the safety of the snake. Animal rights group PETA criticized the show, claiming this is a torment for the snake in front of worldwide watchers.
Paul Rosolie
At an earlier point, Paul Rosolie replied at blaming sentences on his twitter about hurting the anaconda. He reportedly said:
“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!”
Despite of the explanation of Rosolie, PETA claimed that the premise of the show sounds far-fetched, saying the snake will be agonized whether it is a hoax or note. PETA asked Discovery Channel to pull the show and added in statement:
“Anacondas go days without eating and expend the energy needed to do so selectively. Making this snake use up energy by swallowing this fool and then possibly regurgitating him would have left the poor animal exhausted and deprived of the energy that he or she needs. Shame on this pseudo ‘wildlife expert’ for tormenting this animal, and shame on the Discovery Channel for giving him the incentive to do so.”
There were no comments on that from the Discovery Channel stuff, but a spokesman, Laurie Goldberg refused the accusation, claiming the snake is alive and healthy. Even still, there is a petition on Change.org calling on Discovery to pull the plug.
Quoting from the petition:
“This is animal abuse to the highest degree and absolutely disgusting, and could kill the snake. An adult green anaconda cannot fit the width of an adult man’s shoulders into its body.”
A screen-grab from a video promotion of the Discovery show “Eaten Alive”.
More various reactions on the show spread all over the social media networks, some were interested on the show and others said it’s not such a good thing to watch.
Rosolie tweeted the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 7:
“Throughout history snakes have been one of the most feared and misunderstood animals on earth. They have been persecuted, killed, and intentionally exterminated perhaps more than any other animal. But in the last 48 hours, thousands of people from all over the globe have spoken out and petitioned in defense of a snake. It is a passionate and sweeping response that is encouraging to watch.”
Since the show has already been recorded and Rosolie has been active on Twitter, no doubt, he is still alive! He said:
“For those worried about animal cruelty, I invite you to research my work — read my book. Then ask yourself: would this person ever hurt an animal?”
Sources:
1. Complete Guide to TV Premiere Dates 2014
2. Paul Rosolie
4. Photo Credits: Discovery Channel