What began as a bizarre photo stunt quickly spiraled into a nightmare when a tourist climbed into a crocodile enclosure, mistaking the 15-foot predator for a lifeless statue. Posing for a selfie, the man had no idea he was inches away from danger—until the crocodile suddenly lunged, turning the lighthearted moment into a horrifying scene caught on camera.

Warning: Graphic footage follows.

On April 28, a chilling incident at Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, sparked outrage and disbelief online — and raised urgent questions about zoo safety, visitor awareness, and basic common sense.

Authorities say a 29-year-old tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was exploring the park when he spotted what he believed to be a lifelike statue of a massive reptile. The animal, a fully grown 15-foot female crocodile named Lalay, was calmly resting in her enclosure.

Thinking it was the perfect selfie opportunity, the man climbed over the fence — unaware of the deadly risk he was about to face.

“The tourist was walking around when he saw the crocodile, which he thought was just a plastic fixture,” explained Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police, speaking to multiple news outlets, including the Daily Mail.

With phone in hand, “He climbed the fence and entered the enclosure, and the crocodile attacked him,” Sajolga added.

The Death Roll: A Brutal Attack Caught on Camera

A visitor to the park, Cañete Jie, captured the terrifying moment on video. The man can be seen smiling as he approaches the murky waters where Lalay lies in wait.

Then, in an instant, the mood shifts.

Lalay snaps her powerful jaws around the man’s arm, swiftly biting his thigh next. She launches into a brutal death roll — a fearsome maneuver crocodiles use to incapacitate and tear apart prey.

According to the University of Tennessee, crocodiles “can’t chew, so they use a powerful bite coupled with a full-bodied twisting motion — the death roll — to disable, kill, and dismember prey into smaller pieces.” This deadly move is a signature attack of both alligators and crocodiles.

Trapped and Bleeding for 30 Minutes — A Heroic Rescue

Terrifying screams echo through the park as Lalay spins relentlessly, holding her victim captive for a harrowing 30 minutes. The man was bleeding profusely and barely able to move.

Witnesses report that the crocodile handler bravely jumped into the enclosure, risking his own life to save the man. In a desperate effort, he smashed a piece of concrete over Lalay’s head, forcing the predator to release its grip.

“This kind of behavior is extremely dangerous,” Sgt. Sajolga warned. “No one should ever enter an animal enclosure at a zoo. He not only endangered his own life but also put others at risk. He is very lucky to have survived.”

‘Such a Stupid Thing’

Paramedics rushed to the scene to find the tourist with severe bite wounds on his right arm and leg. He was quickly taken to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where doctors stitched up his injuries with over 50 stitches, The Manila Bulletin confirmed via People.

Cañete Jie, who filmed the harrowing incident, couldn’t hide his disbelief: “I don’t know why he would do such a stupid thing, but I’m glad the man is alive. The crocodile just let him go. His leg wasn’t broken, but he suffered wounds to his arm and thigh.”

‘Poor Lalay’

The incident sparked outrage online—not only over the reckless actions of the tourist but also concern for the crocodile, Lalay, whose life was endangered by the human’s foolhardiness.

“Poor Lalay! I hope she’s okay. Imagine just chilling, minding your own business, when some waste of oxygen thinks they can do whatever they want—and then gets a cement block smashed on their head. Some humans are really just that useless,” one user vented.

Another added with frustration, “The caretaker should’ve hit the braindead idiot with the concrete, not the crocodile. Hope Lalay’s alright. Too bad she didn’t get his arm for lunch.”

A third voice offered a sharp perspective: “Calling this an attack is like saying someone stepping onto railroad tracks was attacked by the train coming at them.”

“Poor croc was just adjusting her angle to make the selfie look perfect,” joked one online commenter.

This incident is a stark reminder: wild animals are never props for photos. No matter how calm they seem, enclosures are there for a reason — and crossing those boundaries can have deadly consequences.

What do you think about this man’s reckless selfie stunt? Share your thoughts below, and please spread this story so we can hear from more people!