What began as an ill-fated selfie attempt quickly spiraled into a terrifying real-life incident when a tourist climbed into a crocodile enclosure, mistaking the massive predator for a harmless statue. The situation took a deadly turn when the crocodile, a 15-foot female named Lalay, attacked the man, leaving him seriously injured.
The Fatal Selfie Attempt
On April 28, 2025, a 29-year-old tourist visited the Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. The man spotted Lalay, a fully-grown female crocodile, lounging in her enclosure. Believing the reptile to be a lifelike statue, he decided to climb the fence and enter the enclosure for a selfie. But in a shocking twist, the crocodile proved to be very much alive.
Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga explained that the tourist, phone in hand, approached the crocodile, thinking it was an inanimate object. However, Lalay suddenly lunged forward, sinking her jaws into the man’s arm. As the predator bit his thigh and performed a deadly “death roll,” the tourist found himself trapped in the crocodile’s grasp.
Crocodile. Credit / Shutterstock
The Lethal Death Roll
Crocodiles are known for their powerful bite and their deadly “death roll,” a twisting motion that allows them to disorient and tear apart their prey. In this horrifying incident, Lalay performed the death roll, further injuring the man as he screamed in pain. The ordeal lasted for 30 agonizing minutes, with the tourist barely able to move.
The zoo’s handler, risking his own life, jumped into the enclosure to help. He struck Lalay with a piece of concrete, forcing the crocodile to release its grip on the man. Thankfully, the tourist survived, but not without severe injuries.
Serious Injuries and Hospitalization
Paramedics arrived shortly after the attack and rushed the injured man to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where he received more than 50 stitches to treat the deep wounds on his arm and thigh. The online community expressed outrage over the man’s reckless behavior and questioned the logic behind such a dangerous stunt.
One witness, Cañete Jie, who captured the incident on video, shared her disbelief. “I don’t know why he would do such a stupid thing, but I’m glad the man is alive, and the crocodile just let him go. His leg wasn’t broken, but he suffered arm and thigh wounds,” she said.
Outrage from the Public
Many online commenters criticized the tourist’s actions, expressing sympathy not only for the victim but also for Lalay, the crocodile, who was harmed in the process. “Poor Lalay! I hope she is ok! Imagine chilling and minding your own business when a waste of oxygen thinks they can do what they please to you and then having a cement block slammed on your head,” one user commented.
Another person remarked, “The caretaker should’ve hit the braindead idiot on the head with the concrete instead of the crocodile. Hope Lalay is ok, too bad she didn’t get his arm for lunch.”
The incident highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and the enclosures that keep both visitors and animals safe. While it may seem tempting to get a unique shot, it’s crucial to remember that wild animals, no matter how calm they seem, are not photo props and should be respected as such.
This shocking event serves as a stark reminder: reckless behavior around animals can have deadly consequences, and the well-being of both humans and animals must always come first.
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