Moments later, the animal proved otherwise, lunging and dragging the man in a horrifying attack caught on camera.
Warning: Graphic content in video below
A Fatal Misjudgment in the Philippines
The terrifying encounter occurred on April 28 at Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. Social media quickly erupted after footage surfaced showing the tourist approaching the crocodile, later identified as a fully grown female named Lalay.
According to police, the 29-year-old man — whose identity remains undisclosed — mistook the massive reptile for a harmless display.
“The tourist thought it was a plastic model,” said Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga. “He climbed the fence, entered the enclosure, and was attacked.”
Caught on Camera: Lalay Strikes Back
In a chilling video captured by park visitor Cañete Jie, the man is seen grinning and inching closer to the crocodile in shallow water. Within seconds, Lalay whips her head around and clamps her powerful jaws onto his arm.
The attack intensified as the croc bit his thigh and performed a death roll — a brutal spinning motion used by crocodiles to kill and dismember prey.
According to the University of Tennessee, crocodiles use death rolls because they can’t chew; it allows them to tear flesh into manageable chunks.
Trapped in Terror for 30 Minutes
For a full half-hour, the tourist was stuck inside the enclosure — bleeding, screaming, and unable to escape Lalay’s deadly grip.
Witnesses said the zoo handler bravely jumped in and struck the crocodile with a chunk of concrete, forcing her to release the man just in time.
“This kind of behavior is extremely dangerous,” Sajolga stressed. “He risked his own life and endangered others. He’s lucky to be alive.”
Hospitalized with Dozens of Stitches
Paramedics arrived quickly and transported the tourist to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where he received over 50 stitches for deep wounds to his right arm and thigh.
“I don’t know why he did something so reckless,” said Cañete Jie. “He’s lucky Lalay let him go.”
Public Sympathy for the Crocodile
While many expressed shock over the man’s foolish stunt, a wave of online support has emerged — not for the tourist, but for Lalay.
“Poor Lalay! Imagine minding your business and someone jumps in your space. Then you get hit with concrete,” one commenter wrote.
Another added: “Calling this an attack is like saying a train attacked someone who walked on the tracks.”
A third quipped: “She was just trying to help him get the right selfie angle.”
Lesson Learned: Wild Animals Aren’t Photo Props
This incident serves as a grim reminder: wild animals, no matter how still or tame they appear, are not toys or selfie accessories. Enclosures exist for a reason — to protect humans and the animals themselves.
Let us know your thoughts: Was this an innocent mistake or a reckless act of ego? Share the story and help spread the message — respect wildlife boundaries.
