A 29-year-old male was seriously injured after being attacked by a crocodile at a zoo in the Philippines after he incorrectly assumed the creature was a decorative statue and went into its enclosure to take photos. The attack occurred on Monday, April 28, at the Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Based on local accounts, the man, identified later by Manila Bulletin, was caught climbing over a chain-link fence while cradling his cell phone. Eyewitnesses were shocked as he approached closer to the crocodile, named Lalay, and was unexpectedly bitten.
“The tourist was just wandering around the premises, and then he noticed the crocodile, which he perceived as merely a plastic replica,” Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police informed various media, according to The Daily Mail. “He jumped over the fence and into the enclosure, and the crocodile attacked him.”
Crocodile Drags Tourist
As bystanders shouted in terror, the crocodile clamped down on the man’s arm and pulled him into the shallow water. Witnesses said Lalay executed a “death roll”—a frightening spin move crocodiles employ to confuse and rend apart victims—amplifying the man’s suffering as his arm was wracked with force.
In spite of the risk, the zookeeper who was in charge of Lalay ran to save the day. He had apparently tried to keep the man out of the enclosure earlier. Upon entering the enclosure, he struck the head of the crocodile with a concrete object, managing to push the reptile off the victim.
Emergency personnel arrived shortly thereafter and took the man to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for serious wounds on his right arm and leg. The Manila Bulletin reported that he needed more than 50 stitches.
Officials Warn Against Reckless Behavior
The authorities have raised serious alarm over the man’s actions, highlighting the danger involved.
This type of behavior is extremely hazardous. No one should ever enter the enclosure of an animal at the zoo,” Sajolga explained. “He risked other individuals’ lives and he is extremely fortunate to have made it out alive.”
An official investigation into the incident is in progress, with local investigators continuing to gather evidence and testimonies in connection with the breach.
