What started as a bizarre attempt at a selfie turned into a real-life horror movie when a tourist climbed into a crocodile enclosure, thinking the massive 15-foot predator was just a harmless statue. Seconds later, the reptile proved otherwise, lunging at the man mid-photo-op in a shocking moment caught on camera.
Please note: Graphic content in video below.
The incident, which took place on April 28 at the Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, has sent social media into a frenzy and raised serious questions about zoo safety, visitor behavior, and basic common sense.
According to authorities, the 29-year-old man – whose name has not been released – was visiting the park when he spotted the massive reptile, later identified as a fully-grown female crocodile named Lalay, lounging in her enclosure.
Believing the 15-foot predator was just a lifelike statue, the man decided it was the perfect opportunity to snap a few selfies.
“The tourist was walking around the area, then he saw the crocodile, which he thought was just a plastic fixture,” Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police told multiple outlets, per the Daily Mail.
So, phone in hand, “He climbed the fence and entered the enclosure, and the crocodile attacked him,” Sajolga added.
In one of the videos, captured by a zoo visitor Cañete Jie, the tourist can be seen grinning as he approaches the crocodile in the murky waters.