A 29-year-old tourist’s attempt to take a selfie with a crocodile at Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, ended in a harrowing ordeal. Mistaking the 15-foot reptile named Lalay for a statue, the man climbed over a chain-link fence into the crocodile’s enclosure. As he posed for a photo, Lalay suddenly attacked, clamping down on his arm and dragging him through the shallow water. The crocodile performed a “death roll,” a maneuver that disorients and subdues prey. The tourist endured this terrifying experience for approximately 30 minutes. A zookeeper, risking his life, entered the enclosure and struck the crocodile with a piece of concrete, forcing it to release the man.

The victim sustained severe injuries, including multiple bites to his arm and thigh, requiring over 50 stitches. He was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. Local authorities condemned the tourist’s reckless behavior, emphasizing the dangers of interacting with wild animals and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals and the potential consequences of disregarding safety measures in animal enclosures.