In 2014, conservationist Paul Rosolie attempted a shocking experiment: to be eaten alive by a green anaconda. His goal was to raise awareness about the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. “Seeing how quickly habitats were disappearing,” he wanted to take dramatic action to draw attention to the crisis.

Wearing a custom carbon fiber suit with cameras and an oxygen supply, Rosolie approached the snake and provoked it. As part of a Discovery Channel documentary, the snake attacked, coiling tightly around him. “I’m getting coils over me,” Rosolie said. “She’s got my arms pinned. She knows there’s nothing I can do.”

Despite the suit protecting him from serious injury, Rosolie experienced intense pressure, difficulty breathing, and a spike in heart rate. His team monitored his vital signs and eventually stepped in to free him.

While terrifying, the event highlighted the power and beauty of anacondas. It also sparked global conversations about rainforest conservation. Although some criticized the stunt as unethical, Rosolie stated his team took steps to protect the snake.

His risky act drew both praise and controversy, but ultimately helped spotlight the urgent need to preserve the Amazon and its wildlife.