In a bizarre incident, a tourist’s attempt to take a selfie leads to a terrifying crocodile attack, captured on video for all to see.
A shocking and bizarre incident occurred at the Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands Zoo in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, when a tourist’s attempt to take a selfie led to a horrifying attack by a crocodile.
The event, which took place on April 28, left the 29-year-old tourist lucky to be alive after an encounter with a 15-foot crocodile named Lalay.
Why did the tourist enter the crocodile enclosure?
It all started when the tourist, while casually walking around the zoo, spotted a crocodile lying still.
According to Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police, the tourist was ‘walking around the area’ when he came across a crocodile.
He said: “The tourist was walking around the area, then he saw the crocodile, which he thought was just a plastic fixture.
“He climbed the fence and entered the enclosure, and the crocodile attacked him.”
Believing it to be a statue due to its immobility, the tourist decided to climb into the enclosure for a closer look. As bizarre as it sounds, he thought the crocodile posed no threat and saw it as the perfect opportunity for a selfie.
Tourist’s bizarre decision to enter crocodile enclosure
Once inside the enclosure, the tourist was positioned near the crocodile, attempting to capture the perfect photo.
To his horror, the crocodile, which had been lying motionless, suddenly sprang into action. In a split second, Lalay sank her teeth into the tourist’s arm, before biting his thigh and executing a “death roll.”
The death roll is a method used by crocodiles to disable and dismember their prey, as explained by experts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Bystanders’ reactions and the quick Rresponse
As the attack unfolded, bystanders screamed for the tourist to escape, but it was too late. The horrific event was caught on camera, showing the croc’s relentless grip on the man.
Fortunately, an animal handler arrived around 30 minutes later and struck the crocodile with a slab of concrete, forcing it to release its hold.
Miraculously, the tourist survived the attack but required over 50 stitches after being rushed to the hospital.
While onlookers were relieved he survived, many expressed disbelief and questioned why anyone would risk entering a crocodile’s enclosure.
A warning about zoo safety
Sgt. Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police emphasized how dangerous this behavior was. He stated that it endangered not only the tourist’s life but also others at the zoo.
He concluded, “Nobody should ever enter an animal’s enclosure at the zoo. This kind of behavior is very dangerous, and the tourist is lucky to have survived.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder about the importance of respecting safety protocols at zoos and wildlife parks.
Always observe from a safe distance to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.