In 1950, a 20-year-old photographer dying after a deadly snakebite made one final request: He begged doctors to spare the snake, and 5 years later, its venom helped save a child’s life

In July 1950, 20-year-old Australian photographer and snake handler Kevin Budden was dying after being bitten by one of the country's most dangerous snakes. Yet even as his condition worsened, he had one unusual request, the snake that had bitten him should not be killed. Budden wanted the coastal taipan kept alive and sent to Melbourne for research. His decision gave scientists access to a live taipan and its venom at a crucial time when they were working towards developing a specific antivenom.

Five years later, that antivenom would help save the life of a 10-year-old boy in Cairns.