“He is very lucky to have survived.”
A
29-year-old man was attacked by a crocodile after climbing into its enclosure at a zoo in the Philippines. Video of the encounter showed the gruesome moment when Eric Saladaga Vista was thrashed by the 15-foot reptile.
Related: Are Zoos Relevant in 2021?
The incident took place at the Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands Zoo in Zamboanga Sibugay. Vista, reported to be mentally impaired, believed the crocodile was a statue. He climbed over the fence and jumped into the enclosure to take a selfie. But the crocodile, named Lalay, moved toward him and sank her fangs into his arm as onlookers watched in horror. Lalay refused to let go, biting into his thigh and thrashing him—a move that could have killed him. Vista remained inside the enclosure for 30 minutes during the ongoing attack. Lalay’s handler eventually entered the pen and hit the crocodile with a piece of cement to free Vista. Medics then wrapped his arm and thigh to control the bleeding.
Related: You’ll Inadvertently Kill Yellowstone’s Animals if You Do This
Vista was taken to a hospital, where he received 50 stitches and, fortunately, survived the attack. Police said he had been wandering through the zoo and mistook Lalay for a plastic fixture. He climbed in for photos, and zookeepers failed to stop him. Staff Sgt. Joel Sajolga said, “This kind of behavior is very dangerous. Nobody should ever enter an animal’s enclosure at the zoo. He put other people’s lives at risk and he is very lucky to have survived.”
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Related: 10 Rules You Absolutely Must Follow When Viewing Wildlife
Tourists harass animals around the world. Earlier this year, an American tourist received backlash after picking up a baby wombat in Australia, separating it from its mother. Australians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, were horrified when the video went viral. A young hippo was also harassed at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Moo Deng is an internet star, but that hasn’t stopped people from throwing objects at her; someone even woke her up by throwing water. Last year, a panda research and breeding center in China banned 12 tourists for life after they threw food and spat in the animals’ play area.
Closer to home, visitors often get too close to bison, bears and other wildlife in national parks. Last year, a drunk man was arrested after kicking a bison. An Instagram account with 607,000 followers regularly reports such incidents. Yosemite National Park even issued a warning ahead of the busy summer season, asking visitors to be especially cautious around deer—one of the park’s most dangerous animals. More injuries are caused by deer than any other species, the park said. “Equipped with sharp hooves and antlers, a deer will lash out and defend itself if startled. This happens most often when visitors try to approach or feed them.”
The Yosemite account reminds visitors: “A good rule to remember: feeding or approaching wildlife in Yosemite is illegal. Not only is this crucial for your safety, but it also helps protect wildlife from becoming too accustomed to humans. While they might appear friendly and adorable, mule deer are, at their core, wild animals that deserve their space.”
Related: Tourists Unleash a New Way to Harass Wildlife in National Parks
Whether you’re visiting a national park, a zoo or an animal rehabilitation center, listen to officials’ advice and stay away from wildlife. It’s not just better for the animals—it’s also vital for your safety.
