Crocodile selfie gone wrong: Tourist injured in zoo attack
Macabre scenes unfolded at a zoo in the Philippines as a crocodile attacked a 29-year-old tourist after he climbed into its enclosure to take a selfie. The man likely thought he was dealing with a plastic exhibit.
At the end of April, a 29-year-old man visiting a zoo in the Zamboanga Sibugay province in the Philippines was attacked by a crocodile. The dramatic event occurred in front of witnesses who tried to warn the tourist, but their efforts were in vain.
As described by the "Daily Mail," the man climbed into the enclosure to take a selfie with the crocodile. When he entered the water, he smiled and pulled out his smartphone. At that moment, the reptile named Lalay attacked, dragging the tourist into the water and sinking its teeth into his arm and thigh.
The man was trapped for about 30 minutes. He miraculously escaped with his life because the crocodile keeper managed to rescue him. It was reported that the man struck the reptile on the head, causing Lalay to finally release her victim from her jaws.
Did he think the crocodile was made of plastic?
The injured tourist was immediately taken to the hospital. He received over 50 stitches on his arm and thigh.
According to media reports, the man probably climbed into the enclosure because he believed the animal was made of plastic, as crocodiles often remain motionless, which may have misled the 29-year-old.
Joel Sajolga from the local police emphasized that such behaviour is extremely dangerous and no one should enter animal enclosures at a zoo. "The tourist was lucky to survive," said Sajolga. He also noted that there were staff members present at the zoo, but they were unable to prevent the man from entering the enclosure.
A video of the incident has appeared online, but we are not publishing it due to its graphic nature.
