The Death Of Herpetologist Dr. Joseph Slowinski

[@cara9648]

One of my teachers told us Slowinski's story as a cautionary tale of not getting complacent because that's when accidents happen. "Just because you've done it a thousand times, doesn't mean you can't get hurt. All it takes is one time lacking to find yourself in a deadly situation." I cannot fathom knowing there's nothing you can do as you slowly die.

[@abocas]

Ther is a movie about this, from 2011. "Bite of the living dead". And, btw, I don't know anybody who aspired to make videos, sitting among eptiles, let alone handling them. I can't handle guys handling venomous snakes barehanded. It doesn't make you a cool guy in my book. Because .... we have head a thousand times that one day, one day ......

[@michellejones5541]

Would definitely like to see more videos like this 😊

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

More to come!

[@raeven1937]

​@@WickensWickedReptiles jeeeejjjj!!🎉🎉🎉

[@antonionunez5084]

Same

[@just_magenta3908]

This!

[@teijaflink2226]

Same very interesting story even very tragic as this had something you can learn from.

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Krait venom contains pre and post synaptic neurotoxins, so even if antivenom is available, the victim needs to be in a respirator for weeks for the nerves to regrow. One of the deadliest bites. The snakes are nocturnal, and people sleeping on the floor often get bitten, and don't wake up until it's too late. What a tragic story.

[@hannahmichels5971]

I have a disease that affects the synapses, all those symptoms he describes, weakness, fatigue, eyelids drooping, I know that. When it's really bad my diaphragm can't breathe for me and I use a ventilator. So thankful for pyridostigmine and 3.4 diaminoperidine to keep those synapse snappin

[@caseysilva6919]

This was a very interesting story with an unfortunate ending.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

What a hero he was

[@SarahStilesPhotos]

I read Slowinski's biography several years ago and was cometely riveted. He seemed like a truly fascinating person. In the book it talked about how the US would have normally tried to get him out, but due to all the events on 9/11, they were not able to do anything. It was a perfect storm. So sad!

[@wren5732]

Who’s the author,name of book? Thank you.

[@peytbass]

Excellent. Very detailed and enthralling as you say.

[@MsGlennKing]

《

[@lindacampbell5546]

I remember reading this story. I admire the dedication and commitment of his team working to try to keep Dt. Slowinski alive until help came.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

No matter how careful, educated, or capable a person doing a dangerous job, accidents happen. Fatigue/habit/complacency/and insufficient support, etc., are often the cause of tragedy. By the time we met, I was a risk analyst and my husband was an EOD tech…bomb diffusement and disposal. By the time we met he basically had the equivalent of a doctorate in explosive ordinance, etc. I knew I could trust him to follow the rules and proceed with care but I also knew there were factors outside his control. He was never hurt but I know of techs who everything correctly and still ended up severely injured or dead. The suit he had when we first met had no air running through it, was heavy and extremely hot. I worried that the combination of its weight and the very real dehydration he experienced every time he wore it (he lost 10-15 lbs each time he wore it) could cause something like the tragedy you describe to happen…though he had a much better support system. I was much relieved when they bought modern suits for him and his team. It sounds like a lot of factors contributed to Dr Selenski’s death, some completely outside his control. Putting his hand in the bag (fatigue/complacency/trust/no one stopped him after the initial “it’s safe” comment) started a cascade of events which lead to his death. In most of the cases I have seen or know about where a terrible accident has occurred, once the initiating decision was made, other factors contributed to the final outcome…for better or worse. If, for example, the government of Myanmar had made different decisions, he might of made to a hospital and might have lived. Hindsight is always 20/20. I feel for his friends and family. Excellent video.

[@williamhilbrand5079]

I find videos like this very fascinating, tragic loss but we can learn from it

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

More to come

[@animaltitan2117]

The best way to go out is doing what you love. Like Steve Irwin. Such an amazing human being. Such a hero to me. May he rest in peace with Brian.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Agreed!

[@TotalDissolvedSalamanders]

I would love to see more of this. My best friend (a wildlife biologist) and myself (soil scientist) in our work and for fun we often go out backpacking, exploring, herping, etc.; we've always been cautious but we still have had moments like this with hypothermia, hyperthermia, and injury. It's all too real of a possibility and we've come to understand it will happen, there are not and we are not exceptions to what can and will happen. We do what we do because we love our careers and hobbies, understanding the risk, persevering, and handling the situations as they come. Dr. Slowinski like many others give all they can to their work and the science. We have lost colleagues in the line of work, It is the nature of following our passions.

[@ThatGuyHuckle]

It's unfortunate to lose someone like that in the community, but to go doing something you love so much....

[@beastboy6799]

Idk if you’ll see my comment, but I REALLY like this new content. I watch a lot of horror /thriller stuff but this actually got my heart going, because it’s real. The way you described what he went through is genuinely terrifying. Please keep this up!

[@ohmyl3s857]

This may sound very strange, but even though I love learning as is, you really encourage me too. You have a voice and demeanor that just shows your interest in the topics you talk about. Also one of the things that makes me eager to watch your videos. Its always a good day when you post!

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Wow, thank you! This is such a compliment 😃

[@Rileys-Reptiles]

This story has always fascinated me. Very well done in your recount and story telling. You do this individual justice and respect. Well done!

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Thanks for listening

[@Guuzaka]

3:17 Thank you for clarifying that. 😅 A lot of "articles" insist that they cause mechanical damage to your eyeballs and make you blind, as opposed to telling you that if you do not panic, quickly, and thoroughly wash your eyeballs out, you will be fine. 😌 Oddly enough, despite being so into reptiles I have never heard of Doctor Joseph Slowinski. 😅 This story was extremely interesting, and certainly an eye-opener. 💡Quite shocking that someone so deeply knowledgeable did not have the sense to just look to be 100% sure what was inside the bag.... 😬

[@kirillukin2222]

Cool concept! Would love to see more of this, spices up the content a little mors, maybe bring more og's on that are still alive

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

For sure

[@bkm2797]

Yes Adam, please do more stories like this. Dr. Slowinski is from my neck of the woods, love The Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, it's sad to lose someone so dedicated, and still so young. Thanks for sharing his story.🙏🏻🕊

[@Anthony-wj6xb]

Definitely more similar videos or even tribute videos to great members of our community that have left us. I really want to say Thank you for bringing a lesser known story of a true hero in the community we all love. Lots of ppl have no idea who this great man was but should know. And it's awesome that you are using your channel to bring their stories to others. 👍👍

[@billiescott4949]

This was great, thank you. With the loss of Brian Barczyk, What about a Legends of the Reptile world? Like Cathy and Bill Love, Bob Applegate, and Bob Clark - without them, we would not have a reptile hobby as it is today.

[@miketufaro5915]

I read about him in “The Snake Charmer”. It’s an amazing book. I kept asking all my herpetology friends if they read this book none have. I’m so glad that he’s getting the recognition. Great job Adam!

[@ldlane]

Reading this now! 🙂

[@norarivkis2513]

I've got a herpetologist in the family. Al Savitzky; works primarily with snakes at Utah State. I hope he never sticks his hand into a bag like that. You never think about that kind of thing happening to people who are so good at what they do. I would love to see more stories about herpetologists and their work, but not necessarily awful deaths, please.

[@beastboy6799]

So cool!!!

[@StonedtotheBones13]

Second the last bit...Tho it's kind of frustrating b/c it was preventable on many levels, I suppose that's a good lesson as well.

[@sonyadaniels9685]

I saw an excellent documentary/reenactment of the events that took place. In this, one of the people he was working with, handed him the bag and said it was a baby non venomous mimic of a Krait and was absolutely sure. Everything you recounted here is exactly what occurred in this documentary. It was called “Bite of the living dead” he wrote down instructions for his team, and said if they could get him on a ventilator and/of breathe for him for 48 hours, the venom would run its course and be out. I have never seen or heard of such wonderful devoted people and friends. They were so incredible. They took turns breathing for him. They did CPR for hours. It was extremely frustrating that the government was just so unhelpful. And then when they finally decided to send help. The weather was too bad. It was literally one thing after another. Apparently the venom from the Krait among others I imagine, causes “locked in syndrome” where you are paralyzed, but are aware of everything that is happening to you and around you. True horror, and a very traumatic, horrible thing he had to endure. Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute to a dedicated and amazing person. And my utmost respect to the absolutel best group of friends anyone could have. They worked tirelessly to try to keep him alive no matter how tired, distressed, or emotional they were. I don’t have any particular interest in snakes, but I’m subbing to you because I have really enjoyed your honest and sensible approach to these few videos I’ve seen of yours. Cheers.

[@CindySeifen]

One of the saddest stories and all those heroes who did CPR for long time in the jungle they over and above RIP Dr. Slowingnki. Love your content. Yes more.

[@jar00agr03]

I love this content- an interesting (albeit sad) story about someone in the reptile community. I would love to hear more stories about unusual events, interesting trips, or people who have made contributions to the field.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

More to come!

[@sixteezchild]

Your channel is amazing Adam and you are a great teacher! You are always enthusiastic about your subjects and have such a nice way of presenting them! You stay safe out there, and second guess yourself if you need to, but never take anyone's word for gold when I comes to what's in the bag! Thank you for the lesson! ❤

[@hollyparker5714]

Would love more of these stories!

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Coming soon!

[@leekestner1554]

This was excellent. I had just gotten the barebones of the story and didn't even realize he was a Dr. of Herpetology. I would love to hear more stories of the OG history with reptiles.

[@sarahmoorcroft8826]

Such an incredibly tragic situation. If anyone wants to know more about his life and his story there is an excellent book by Jamie James called The Snake Charmer. Really glad you did this video Adam, really interesting and definitely a good reminder for those of us who handle wild reptiles for fun

[@kleepo7733]

Very nice job this man definitely needs to get the credit he deserves. I for one appreciate the time you took to cover his life for people who are unaware of his career. I remember talking to Bill Hasst years ago when he would always talk about his Krait bite. 👍

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Wild story eh!

[@Alien_Warrior_79]

This was something that was very interesting to learn that I did not know. I would love to hear more stories like this.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

More to come!

[@dshobe720]

Yes, do more stories like this. Interview first hand story tellers. It's important that the next generation of people understand the history of herpetology and herpetoculture so that they can build on their predecessors achievements and remember their mistakes. Heck, nursery rhymes are all about this stuff.

[@janawild4582]

I’ve heard this before, but I enjoyed hearing it again it is actually a very interesting story, but also very tragic.

[@emobean]

would love to hear more stories like this. you're always incredibly respectful to the people involved in the stories you share. Unfortunately, safety regulations and practices are written in blood, but we can learn from those who no longer have the opportunity to.

[@LuckyStone888]

Great presentation on Dr Joe Slowinski. Thank you

[@zackcuster]

Another great video man!

[@jkr6989]

I really liked this one, there are so many people that made differences for the animal world that didnt have a camera on them like Steve and Brian did. I'm interested in more videos like this on Scientist or herpetologist or botanist that have reptiles named after them.

[@jkr6989]

Professor Dr. Franz Josef Maria Werner (1867-1939), I've noticed this name reappearing for multiple species, at least 2 snakes and a chameleon

[@cowgurlup9023]

I would love to hear more like this. He sounds amazing and an inspiration

[@tibbar1000]

That was a great video; informative, entertaining, and respectful.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

thank you! I appreciate that!

[@johninnh4880]

I've heard this story many times and every time I get something more out of it. Thanks for sharing it again.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

absolutely!

[@blip-2024]

Thank you for sharing this story. What an incredible man. I would love more videos like this.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jessicaann2070]

Great video. So very sad this young man lost his life like this. I would like to know what species he discovered and what ones were named after him. Thank you for another fascinating video Adam.

[@nana2five790]

Loved this episode!

[@peacelilly83]

You did a great job retelling this Dr’s tale. Would absolutely listen to others.

[@tammyrockman2633]

Definitely, I’d love to see more videos like this. It was very informative. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@teresatanasi5143]

Really thank you for this heartbreaking but very knowledgeable story!

[@kimcrawford5247]

Good informational story Adam. I enjoy these factual accounts. Important information to share. Thank you. ❤

[@shakinamartin954]

Yes, more stories, please…

[@clistiarobinson34]

Sorry it took me a minute to get this to start it kept lagging or something but I finally got it to start. I am so sorry to his family and friends that he passed. I hope you have an awesome day and see you again on Thursday

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

See you on Thursday

[@smscoal8579]

Interesting but, sad story. Learning about others would be nice.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Definitely!

[@AnnieFuson]

I've heard his story before so sad! I loved this video.

[@erinbailey782]

I think stories like this are so important for newcomers to the hobby. Or even when you touch on experience keepers getting bit. It's so fascinating to see and learn about all these snakes, but you always have to respect them and you can never let yourself get complacent. They are wild animals. And it's always important to remember. If you get bit it is always your fault, not the snakes

[@JamesS805]

I remember hearing a story of someone being envenomated by a snake (Boomslang, i believe?) and writing down all the symptoms until he passed. Maybe that could be another one on the list?

[@AlexP1-y4g]

That would be Karl Patterson Schmidt

[@nikilaunspach8960]

Please! I love learning more about the wider reptile community- especially those doing that nitty gritty, vital research

[@caughtafaygo]

These guys should be talked about more. Very cool Adam

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video as always

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Thanks again!

[@DeChane369]

I love videos like that it’s a cross between animals and history and it’s incredible

[@jdx4174]

The story was something fresh, while still staying in the hobby. Well done! I'd love to hear more stories like this

[@pidge414]

Dr Slowinski was not known for "being very careful". He had a reputation for partying hard, being cavalier at best, and at other times just being downright reckless. I would recommend reading "The Snake Charmer" by Jamie James for a very well researched account of the events that led to his death.

[@-cMc-]

Oh yeah I love this format you have a great story telling voice. There has to be more stories you can tell ❤

[@The_Original_LBSwanson]

This video was really cool. Such as sad story. Sucks he went out that way. I'd definitely watch more of these videos.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

More to come :)

[@donna5499]

Very Sad Story Thank you for sharing ❤

[@RGR_514]

Good info wouldn’t complain about more videos like this🤘🏻

[@Hi_Im_Akward]

Yes please more videos like this. But also people in the community, especially scientific community who have or do contribute. The information is fascinating weather they died on the job or not. Any kind of scientist who is working to better the environment and ecosystems or discovering new species or generally educating the community and helping the world love nature. These people deserve credit and deserve to be talked about. Idk if you've ever done a video on Steve Ewing but I'd love to see you talk about him. Always thought the guy was nuts (especially when he gets up close to a leopard seal), but he was a big influence on my early childhood love for animals and nature.

[@taylorgalvan1414]

Well done video!! I have a couple questions so the person who handed him the bag did they really get bit by the snake?? Were they trying to kill him?? And did they get in trouble ?? I loved this video… sad story.. RIP DR. JOSEPH SLOWINSKI.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

I'm not sure what happened to the person who handed it to him

[@repccessories]

This was a great video. Thank you for sharing, Ii really liked how this one was done.

[@stevenjohnson9714]

When I was in middle school (mid 1990’s) I often would catch snakes for neighbors and relocate. Usually garters and black rat snakes. One day a neighbor thought they would just catch the snake for me and brought it to me in a pillow case. I laid it on the ground, used a scrap piece of wood to keep the snake away from me/the knot in the bag, got it untied and peaked into the bag at a copper head! I think my neighbors were actually more surprised than I was since they just held the bag open and scooted it in with their hands.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

That’s so cool!

[@FunTimeAll2sand5s]

I think it's awesome dude. I like the direction for sure and I would love to see lots more of these wonderful stories ❤❤❤❤

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

More to come!

[@jenrayraymond5231]

I would love to see more stories like this!

[@WallieTheRed]

Would love to hear more strories like this. Its a great idea. Some historical stories and accounts of herpetologist would be fanatstic as well if you can find the time to research it. Very interested in knowing how snakes wernt from being the villain in the book of genesis to in an enclosure in my room and often draped round my neck while I do daily chores. And all the heros who paved the way. Id never heard of this guy before. Nice one 👍👍

[@susanmartin3762]

I just love how your Lil Beardie just sits on your shoulder!❤

[@amycarr7635]

Loved this video ❤

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

So glad!

[@basdriesen3282]

Hi thanks for the vid

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Any time!

[@Chaotic4Exotics]

Dieing doing something you love is an amazing sacrifice ✨️ much love to him and his family my condolences 🙏

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Good storytelling, cool visuals, we'll done. Great piece of content.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I think you failed to mention exactly which species sealed his fate.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Much appreciated!

[@michaelpriestley1304]

Awesome content I like the new subject matter! I remember the first documentaries that came out about this really portrayed him as careless I'm glad to see more light shed on his unfortunate death.

[@B_dubz95]

Very interesting content!! I watch every single one of your videos and always love them BTW so Thank You!!

[@leahgarland3473]

I really liked this one!! More videos like this would be awesome..

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

You got it!

[@ShannonMD306]

Really liked this story. You should do more.

[@curtishilliker3522]

Insanely good story thanks for the knowledge. I actually caught and photographed a Slowinski's cornsnake in central FL. This is far away from it's known range. If I could post a pic I would. I had it 2 days before he escaped and was never found. I did after all find him in the actual backyard.

[@ashersamphibiansandreptiles]

Awesome video. I never knew about him but this video makes me want to learn more

[@justlovely36]

Yes

[@staceyroberts3468]

That was an interesting story. Please do more of these! Kind of reminds me of how Steve Irwin passed away

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

I can cover that too

[@onesevenfour_moto9794]

Love these type of videos

[@Joey_jr]

Definitely want to see more videos like this

[@stankatbarrell9878]

This video reminds me of Mr. Ballen videos! I like it 😊

[@FunTimeAll2sand5s]

Thank you❤❤❤

[@elisecurran9497]

Thanks for sharing this story. I recently saw someone attacking a herp KZbinr, saying they weren't qualified to handle venomous species, even though this person has all their correct licensing and years of experience, because they weren't a "HERPETOLOGIST", and they further argued that HERPETOLOGISTS don't get bitten, don't take chances, etc. I assured them that it was not true, so thanks for providing proof that it can happen to anyone.

[@JediMaster-cl4mp]

I like these videos maybe you could make one about Steve Irwin. Also that is tragic that it happened on that specific date. It was probably overlooked by a lot of people because of 911.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Well said

[@vanessavieux7283]

You are the best KZbin ever have a super day have a great day have a nice day Wicked wickens reptile

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

You rock!

[@cdelane3335]

I just recently got into the reptile stuff on you tube, as kid I liked to watch Steve Erwin but never owed any reptiles. I read this story on You Tube not long ago it's so sad.

[@MFoster392]

`I heard this story about him too, thanks for sharing

[@danasmith8557]

Wow that was a sad story 😢

[@Kakashiownsyou]

Good stuff. Good vid idea. I could get behind a herping catastrophes series or some such. Maybe that’s too much bad press tho

[@chriswilliams5982]

What a sad tragic story. Its so sad young people look up to rappers, actors, other celebrities who do nothing but serve themselves, and those scientists who work in quite solitude creating new vaccines, new medicines, new things to help mankind, astronauts, etc are people whose names many times die with them. When I was young my heroes were people like Jonas Salk, Albert Einstein, Neil Armstrong, and later Carl Sagan. He died fearless doing what he loved, and probably found new species valuable to medicine, or just furthering the understanding of nature. I was in Southeast Asia a long time ago and did something so stupid I still can’t believe I did it. I found a small blue banded krait lying in the road and it was only about ten inches long. I thoughtlessly picked it up and put it in my pocket! Thankfully most krait species are not very aggressive and it just calmly stayed put and I forgot it was there till I got in town and felt it move. When I took it out a friend of mine from Cambodia jumped and yelled “Jesus Christ! Put it down are f……g crazy! I immediately dropped it and was looking at him trying to say it was harmless, but he then told me what it was and that he couldn’t believe I was so stupid. In all fairness looking back I can’t believe it either. He said if it had bitten me I wouldn’t be standing there and explained it’s one of the least aggressive because its blue bands were a warning. Yes I knew about coral snakes and how to identify them. I honestly to this day don’t know why I did it. They made me show them my hands and even made me undress because they said it’s so tiny fangs you might think it was a bug bite. Of course I’m still here, but in my case if it had bitten me I had no one to blame but my own stupidity. People who risk their lives milking the most deadly snakes and other creatures such as cone snails have all my respect because every single day they knowingly put their lives at risk. R.I.P Doctor.

[@kiki29073]

Rain like this happens often in the South.

[@mystra13]

Very much enjoyed this. How about one on Steve Ludwin or Tim Friede?

[@ingeniouspixie]

Wow, such a tragic story. Would love to know even nore about his work. Thanks for educating! (Why the giant, floating 5??)

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

Giant floating 5?

[@ingeniouspixie]

@@WickensWickedReptiles behind you to the left, over your shoulder. It looks like a giant, floating, helium '5' balloon. 😂 Was super obvious at the beginning, then disappeared behind the enclosures for ten seconds then started emerging again. Obviously I couldn't stop looking at it. 🤪

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

@@ingeniouspixie ohhhh haha Trish got me a 5 balloon for WWR’s fifth birthday

[@ingeniouspixie]

@@WickensWickedReptiles 😆 👍🏻 congrats!

[@cataclysmblackarchives8813]

Yes!

[@wendywendt4548]

I like these stories. I remember this in the news. I believe he has a son who travels and is searching for new species as well.

[@ashleybond5628]

I look at it like this snakes in bags are like guns always check to see if the gun is loaded before you handle it always check yourself noone is responible for this but you no matter what people say and do OMG that is so tragic thank you for telling this story