SIAY, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, PHILIPPINES – APRIL 28, 2025 29-year-old visitor to the Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park, Eric Saladaga Vista, mistook a 15-foot (4.5-meter) saltwater crocodile, named Lalay by the staff, for a decorative statue. He entered the enclosure to take a selfie with the animal. Within moments, the crocodile attacked, biting into his leg and arm, and dragged him underwater.
The crocodile performed the infamous “death roll” and tormented the man for a harrowing 30 minutes. The attack ended only when a park worker struck the crocodile repeatedly on the head with a concrete slab, forcing it to release the victim. Fortunately, the enclosure did not contain deep water – experts say that had it been deeper, the crocodile’s instinct would have been to drown him.
The injured man was rushed to Dr. George T. Hofer Memorial Hospital, where doctors treated his wounds and gave him over 50 stitches.
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- Eric during recovery 1
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- Eric during recovery 2
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- Eric during recovery 3
According to police and park officials, the man was likely suffering from mental health issues, and his behavior was described as highly unusual. Nevertheless, the incident has prompted authorities to reevaluate safety measures in the park – especially signage and fencing around enclosures. After the attack, the crocodile was captured and relocated to a more secure area to prevent any future danger.
READ MORE:
https://people.com/tourist-bitten-by-crocodile-while-taking-selfie-because-he-thought-animal-was-fake-11727789
https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/crocodile-attacks-tourist-in-philippines-zoo-after-he-mistakes-it-for-a-statue-101746347128612.html
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/crocodile-attacks-zoo-visitor-who-entered-enclosure-for-selfie-in-the-philippines-glbs-2720109-2025-05-06
https://gulfnews.com/world/offbeat/selfie-gone-wrong-tourist-mistakes-real-crocodile-for-statue-mauled-at-philippine-mangrove-park-1.500114645
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/tourist-attacked-by-crocodile-after-mistaking-it-for-statue/GT6IROH5ANEOFMWMKOMFA76L3Y/
