A crocodile attacked a reserve caretaker (5 photos + 1 video)

In the Australian Billabong Nature Reserve, a two-meter crocodile jumped on a keeper. The incident occurred while feeding the reptile in front of tourists.





On Monday, the crocodile's afternoon feeding began as usual, with the keeper introducing the visitors to Junior.

In the footage, the animal waits in the enclosure for its portion of food, and then rushes at the man and bites his hand. The victim was hospitalized.



“The caretaker was in a state of shock. He seemed to not want to look at his hand,” says eyewitness Kate Javy. “My friends ran to the administrators to warn them and bring a first aid kit. He apologized to us, and we were very worried about him.”



The 25-year-old Australian was hospitalized in a stable condition.

Queensland Ambulance Service acting chief David Cole said the caretaker was in "good spirits" and added he was "very lucky".



Reserve owner Bob Flemming said a thorough investigation into the incident would be conducted.

“This was not an attack. The caretaker was not in the enclosure, but in a chamber adjacent to the enclosure where feeding takes place. Crocodiles jump for food, this is a common occurrence, in this case the employee did not have time to let go of the piece,” the official statement said manuals.

Flemming wished the employee a speedy recovery and added that there would be no consequences for Junior.

A few months ago, visitors to the Billabong Nature Reserve had to be evacuated after a 3.8m long crocodile escaped from its enclosure.

Daily feeding sessions are one of the most popular entertainments. And this is not the first time such an incident has happened. So, in 2016, a 2.5-meter animal grabbed the trainer’s hand.