Crocodile Keeper Dragged Into Pool, Dies Despite Rescue After Hour-Long Ordeal in Papua New Guinea
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A tragic incident unfolded at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Saturday when a zoo keeper was attacked by a crocodile during a routine feeding session. The reptile seized the man's legs and dragged him toward the water, ultimately severing one limb. Despite enduring extreme agony for over an hour, the victim managed to grip the pool's edge while a colleague held his hand from above. The keeper reportedly whispered, "I didn't do anything wrong" as he fought to survive. Emergency services eventually shot and killed the crocodile, freeing the man, but he died from his injuries the following day. The zoo has since announced an indefinite closure.
Key Points
- The attack occurred at Adventure Park, located at 14 Mile in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, on Saturday, September 5, 2026
- The keeper was feeding the crocodile chicken inside the enclosure when the animal suddenly lunged and clamped onto both his legs
- Security guards at the scene carried no firearms and could only offer a small iron rod as a makeshift weapon for the victim
- The keeper held onto the pool edge for more than one hour while being bitten, with a colleague desperately gripping his clothing and hand
- Police shot and killed the crocodile, but the keeper had already lost a leg and died the next day from the severity of his injuries
Why It Matters
The fatal attack raises serious questions about workplace safety protocols at wildlife parks, particularly during high-risk animal interactions. As facilities featuring dangerous wildlife face scrutiny, Adventure Park's indefinite closure highlights the potential legal and reputational consequences of inadequate safety measures for staff working closely with predators .
The fatal attack raises serious questions about workplace safety protocols at wildlife parks, particularly during high-risk animal interactions. As facilities featuring dangerous wildlife face scrutiny, Adventure Park's indefinite closure highlights the potential legal and reputational consequences of inadequate safety measures for staff working closely with predators .