A crocodile handler death has prompted a safety review after an attack during a feeding demonstration in Papua New Guinea. The Adventure Park employee died in hospital early on September 6, a day after the incident near Port Moresby.
In a statement published by the National Capital District Commission, the park said a crocodile seized a chicken being used for feeding and the keeper’s leg. Management described him as a senior, highly experienced animal keeper.
Witnesses Describe Efforts to Help
The attack happened inside a fenced enclosure on Saturday, September 5. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, witnesses tried to help the worker as the crocodile pulled him toward the water.
Footage described by ABC showed the man holding the pool’s edge and a pole offered by a bystander. Another person later held his arms during the rescue effort.
Onlookers told ABC that the crocodile held the worker for about an hour before emergency services arrived. That estimate comes from witnesses; the park’s statement did not provide a detailed response timeline.
Police Killed Crocodile During Rescue
Adventure Park said staff contacted emergency services immediately. Police killed the crocodile during the rescue operation to protect the keeper’s life, according to the park.
Rescuers freed the worker and transported him to hospital, where he later died. The park thanked police and St John Ambulance for their assistance and offered condolences to his family and colleagues.
Park Announces Safety Review
Management described the incident as occurring during a “non-scheduled crocodile feeding demonstration.” It said an internal review would examine the circumstances and its procedures for crocodile management, animal handling and feeding demonstrations.
The statement did not explain why the demonstration was outside the schedule or identify what caused the attack. It said further information would follow as the review progressed.
ABC reported on September 6 that the park had closed until further notice and that colleagues gathered at a funeral home. The report said the keeper had worked there for about two years.
Feeding Sessions Were a Visitor Attraction
Papua New Guinea’s official tourism listing advertises crocodile feeding sessions at Adventure Park on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The attraction also features wildlife displays, gardens and amusement rides.
That general visitor listing does not establish whether activities have resumed following the death. The park has asked the public and media to respect the privacy of the worker’s family and staff.