Overview

• Viral footage of the rescue has drawn hundreds of thousands of views and spurred donations to support the snake’s care.
• The snake, named “Apples,” is being treated for a bacterial mouth infection at Hart’s facility and is forecast to make a full recovery within three months.
• Hart stepped in after police and animal control declined to respond, highlighting reliance on private rescuers for exotic animal emergencies.
• A public fundraising campaign has raised funds to build a suitably sized long-term enclosure for the 20-foot python.
• The incident exposes uneven enforcement of Los Angeles’ exotic pet permitting rules and the high costs of specialized veterinary care.