What started as a bizarre attempt at a selfie turned into a real-life horror movie when a tourist climbed into a crocodile enclosure, thinking the massive 15-foot predator was just a harmless statue. Seconds later, the reptile proved otherwise, lunging at the man mid-photo-op in a shocking moment caught on camera.
Please note: Graphic content in video below.
The incident, which took place on April 28 at the Kabug Island Mangrove and Wetlands Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, has sent social media into a frenzy and raised serious questions about zoo safety, visitor behavior, and basic common sense.
According to authorities, the 29-year-old man – whose name has not been released – was visiting the park when he spotted the massive reptile, later identified as a fully-grown female crocodile named Lalay, lounging in her enclosure.
Believing the 15-foot predator was just a lifelike statue, the man decided it was the perfect opportunity to snap a few selfies.
“The tourist was walking around the area, then he saw the crocodile, which he thought was just a plastic fixture,” Police Staff Sergeant Joel Sajolga of the Siay Municipal Police told multiple outlets, per the Daily Mail.