The adult visitor suffered a catastrophic attack from a Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands Zoo crocodile on April 28 after he entered its enclosure to photograph himself.
The 29-year-old visitor spent 30 frightening minutes trapped by Lalay the 15-foot-long crocodile because he did not recognize the animal from its decorative appearance.
The traveling visitor visited the zoo when he noticed what appeared to be a plastic crocodile and moved forward to snap photographs.
He disrespected the safety barriers along with warning signs by ascending the fence and entering the shallow pool before taking spot near the animal for his selfie.
Spectators who observed the situation shouted for him to stop but the man continued his action without hesitation. Lalay darted at his approaching position and swiftly crushed her jaws onto his arm.
The park filled with his agonizing screams when Lalay dragged him beneath the surface. Around the visitor several spectators cried out for the man to stop but his determination to take the dangerous selfie
persisted as Lalay used brutal power to bite his thigh before zookeepers believed she started performing a characteristic “death roll” for attacking prey. No staff members were able to reach the scene to help the trapped man until he remained inside the enclosure for about thirty minutes.
The situation turned dangerous after the zookeeper finally showed up. The handler incrementally used cement to strike Lalay around her head thus providing rescuers with the scant opportunity needed to evacuate the man before her disengage.
The person suffered massive blood loss and serious wounds before hospital staff rushed him to the emergency room. Healthcare medical staff treated the victim by stitching his body 50 different times.
The victim survived the dangerous attack because medical professionals confirmed he did not suffer any life-threatening injuries nor broken bones.
Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga from Siay Municipal Police accused the tourist of poor judgment when he observed the crocodile while roaming the area because he believed it was a fake plastic statue.
The tourist crossed security and moved into the enclosure before the crocodile attacked him. Such actions create dangerous situations for everyone who visits the facility. Visitors must avoid entering all animal exhibits at zoological parks.
The visitor dangerously endangered fellow visitors and got away with his life. The zoo staff monitoring the scene could not stop the visitor from entering the animal area despite the fact that multiple workers were present at the time.
The establishment has initiated a procedural investigation according to reports. Local resident Canete Jie showed shock as he explained to journalists after the incident that the man survived through chance as the crocodile allowed him to leave.
The person’s decision to enter the area seems like a completely irrational thing to me. Several bystanders filmed the individual as he walked into the exposed water area before kneeling near Lalay who stayed motionless although she was a fake crocodile.
This situation made the man believe she was merely a statue. Zoo management has stepped up enclosures security measures at the same time they advised visitors to properly follow warning signage and fencing guidelines for their security.
Medical professionals continue treatment of the unnamed tourist who receives care in the hospital under expectation of complete recovery.
