What began as a bizarre photo opportunity ended in chaos when a tourist climbed into a crocodile enclosure, mistaking the massive 15-foot reptile for a harmless statue. Within moments, the predator lunged at him in a chilling attack captured on video.

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The Incident

On April 28, at Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, a 29-year-old tourist spotted a crocodile he assumed was a life-sized replica. In reality, it was a fully grown female named Lalay. Believing it to be safe, the man scaled the fence, phone in hand, to take selfies. Moments later, the crocodile attacked, clamping onto his arm and later biting his thigh.

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The Death Roll

Footage from park visitor Cañete Jie shows the man smiling as he approached the animal in murky water. Suddenly, Lalay whipped her head around, bit down hard, and performed a death roll — a powerful spinning maneuver crocodiles use to dismember prey. According to the University of Tennessee, crocodiles can’t chew, so they use this twisting motion to tear apart food.

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Thirty Minutes of Horror

Witnesses say the man screamed in agony as the crocodile spun with brutal force, trapping him in the enclosure for 30 minutes. In a daring rescue, the park’s handler jumped into the enclosure and struck the reptile’s head with a concrete block, forcing her to release her grip.

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Serious Injuries

Paramedics found severe wounds on the man’s right arm and leg. He was rushed to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital and required more than 50 stitches. “Nobody should ever enter an animal’s enclosure,” Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga warned, calling the stunt extremely dangerous and reckless.

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Public Outrage and Sympathy for Lalay

While many expressed relief that the man survived, social media exploded with anger over the risk to the crocodile. Users condemned the tourist’s actions, with one commenting, “Poor Lalay! Imagine relaxing and suddenly being attacked for a selfie.” Others joked that the crocodile was merely adjusting for a better photo angle.

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A Stark Reminder

This shocking encounter underscores a critical lesson: wild animals are not props. Enclosures exist to protect both visitors and the creatures within them. Ignoring these boundaries can result in devastating consequences — for humans and animals alike.