A wildlife park worker in Papua New Guinea has died after a crocodile seized his legs and dragged him into a pool during a feeding session, according to local reports. The handler, who had worked at Port Moresby’s Adventure Park for about two years, passed away at 3 Mile General Hospital on Sunday morning following the Saturday attack.
Wildlife Park Attack Details at Port Moresby Adventure Park
The fatal incident occurred inside a fenced enclosure at Adventure Park, where staff regularly conduct crocodile feeding demonstrations. According to eyewitness Gibson John, speaking to the ABC, the worker was attempting to feed the reptile chicken through the fence when the animal grabbed him and pulled him toward the water.
Footage shared on social media showed the man desperately clinging to the pool’s edge while bystanders tried to intervene. Onlookers gathered around the enclosure, with one person passing the trapped worker a pole from the fence and another later attempting to support him from the pool edge, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Response Times and Emergency Challenges
Eyewitness accounts highlight the rescue attempt. According to Gibson John, unarmed security guards at the facility could only provide the victim with a small iron rod for protection while they waited for outside help.
https://x.com/MetService/status/2096366689306935728
“The security guards had no guns, but gave him a small iron rod to use until the police and St John’s Ambulance came,” Mr. John told the ABC, adding that he personally contacted St John’s Ambulance. The reptile maintained its grip on the worker’s legs for more than an hour. “He was in severe pain but he couldn’t scream,” Mr. John said, noting that the victim had lost a leg before being transported to 3 Mile General Hospital.
Park Closure and Facility Operations
In the wake of the tragedy, Adventure Park remains closed to the general public until further notice. Visitors were ushered out of the grounds during the emergency response, and police reportedly shot the crocodile to free the victim. Staff members who witnessed the attack gathered at a funeral home following the worker’s death, according to the ABC.
The facility is known for regular public feeding demonstrations that require handlers to work in close proximity to the reptiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the crocodile attack take place?
The attack occurred inside a fenced enclosure at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, during a crocodile feeding session.
What was the condition of the worker following the incident?
The worker sustained severe injuries, including the loss of a leg, and was pulled into the water. He was transported to 3 Mile General Hospital, where he died on Sunday morning.
Is Adventure Park currently open to visitors?
No, Adventure Park remains closed to the public until further notice following the fatal incident.
Did you know? Adventure Park in Port Moresby routinely hosts live crocodile feeding demonstrations, drawing visitors to watch handlers interact closely with large captive reptiles.
Want to stay updated on breaking international news and wildlife park safety investigations? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our latest reporting for ongoing updates.