An American wildlife expert and filmmaker is putting his life on the line in the name of great television, volunteering to be eaten by an anaconda snake for the Discovery Channel.

Paul Rosolie has made a custom snake-proof suit which he will wear when he enters the belly of a giant snake for new show Eaten Alive, airing in December.

• Snake on a train
• Snake kills pastor

Man To Be Swallowed Whole By An Anaconda, While Wearing ‘Snake-Proof’ Suit #EatenAlive http://t.co/xp8kZfpOtB pic.twitter.com/zj41zs9IE4

— A+ (@aplusapp) November 5, 2014

Animal welfare organisations have criticised the show, which has been labelled by some on Twitter as “animal cruelty”.

Rosolie responded saying he would never hurt an animal.

The 26-year-old appears to have been inspired by wildlife warrior Steve Irwin and adventurer Bear Grylls, wrestling anacondas and exploring the Amazon jungle alone at the age of 18.

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! http://t.co/QvxZO2dS3V

— Paul Rosolie (@PaulRosolie) November 5, 2014