A 29-year-old tourist suffered serious injuries after climbing into a crocodile enclosure at Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, mistaking the live animal for a statue. The incident occurred on April 28, 2025, when the man entered the pen to take a selfie with the 15-foot female crocodile named Lalay.
Believing the reptile was a plastic fixture, the man scaled a chain-link fence and waded into the shallow water. As he posed for photos, Lalay attacked, biting his arm and thigh, and performing a “death roll”—a maneuver used by crocodiles to disorient and subdue prey. The assault lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which the man was trapped in the enclosure.
Zoo staff intervened when a caretaker entered the pen and struck Lalay with a piece of cement, prompting her to release the victim. Emergency responders treated the man on-site before transporting him to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where he received over 50 stitches for his wounds.
Local authorities reported that the tourist may have had a mental health condition and emphasized the dangers of disregarding safety barriers and interacting with wild animals. Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga stated, “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.”
The zoo has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. An investigation is ongoing to determine how the breach occurred and to prevent future occurrences.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and respecting wildlife boundaries, even in controlled environments like zoos.