A routine crocodile-feeding demonstration turned into a terrifying ordeal after a wildlife handler was attacked by a crocodile and left trapped in the animal’s jaws for more than an hour.
The incident happened Saturday at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, when the handler was attempting to feed a crocodile a chicken inside its enclosure.
According to eyewitness Gibson John, the crocodile suddenly attacked the worker and tried to pull him into the pool. Video from the scene showed the man clinging to the side of the pool while the crocodile appeared to have his legs in its jaws.
Bystanders attempted to help, with one person offering the trapped handler a pole through the enclosure fence. Another person later appeared to hold onto his arms from the edge of the pool as the man struggled to survive.
John said the worker was in severe pain and could barely speak during the ordeal. The crocodile reportedly held onto his legs for more than an hour before police and emergency responders arrived.
Police ultimately shot the crocodile to free the handler. He was rushed to 3 Mile General Hospital, where he was treated for devastating injuries. An eyewitness later said the man had lost a leg before being taken to the hospital.
Despite the emergency treatment, the worker died from his injuries at around 7 a.m. Sunday.
The handler had reportedly worked at Adventure Park for about two years. The park, which regularly hosts crocodile-feeding demonstrations, has since been closed until further notice as staff mourn the worker and authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.