In a shocking and avoidable incident in the Philippines, a 29-year-old man was severely injured after climbing into a crocodile enclosure at a zoo, reportedly mistaking the live animal for a fake statue. The incident took place on Monday, April 28, at Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay province.
Tourist Attacked While Attempting Selfies
According to reports from the Manila Bulletin and Daily Mail, the man climbed over a chain-link fence with his phone in hand, apparently to take selfies next to the crocodile, unaware of the danger. The animal, a female crocodile named Lalay, quickly reacted by clamping her powerful jaws onto the man’s arm.
Bystanders captured the terrifying moment on video, which has since gone viral. In the footage, Lalay can be seen dragging the man through shallow water and performing a “death roll” — a violent spinning move crocodiles use to immobilize prey and tear flesh.
Man Mistook Crocodile for a Plastic Figure
Siay Municipal Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga told local media that the man thought the crocodile was a statue. “He thought it was just a plastic fixture,” Sajolga said. “He climbed the fence and entered the enclosure, and the crocodile attacked him.”
The Bulletin reported that the man is mentally impaired, which may explain his misjudgment. Zoo staff tried to prevent him from entering, but he had already crossed the fence by the time help could intervene.
Zookeeper Saves Man’s Life
In an effort to save the man, the crocodile’s keeper entered the enclosure and reportedly struck Lalay on the head with a piece of concrete. The blow forced her to release the man from her grip, though he had already suffered serious injuries to his right arm and leg.
Paramedics arrived shortly after and transported the man to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where he received more than 50 stitches. He is now recovering.
Police Warn Against Dangerous Behavior
Authorities and zoo officials are using this incident as a warning to the public. “This kind of behavior is very dangerous,” said Sajolga. “Nobody should ever enter an animal’s enclosure at the zoo. He put other people’s lives at risk and he is very lucky to have survived.”
An official investigation is underway to determine how the man was able to access the enclosure and whether additional safety measures should be implemented at the zoo.