Wildlife Park Worker Killed by Crocodile in Papua New Guinea

A wildlife park worker in Papua New Guinea has died after a crocodile dragged him into an enclosure and performed a death roll during a feeding demonstration, according to local reports. The fatal attack occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Adventure Park in Port Moresby.

The handler, who had worked at the facility for about two years, was inside a fenced enclosure when the reptile clamped its jaws onto his legs and pulled him into the water, according to accounts from eyewitnesses and local authorities cited by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Park visitor Gibson John told the ABC that the attack began as the worker brought chicken to the fence.

“He brought the chicken to the fence and the crocodile attacked the person and tried to bring him into the pool,” Mr. John said, as reported by the ABC.

Terrified bystanders watched as another staff member entered the enclosure and attempted to assist the victim, who tried to club the predator on the head. Eyewitness Koibuga Remdi said that the crocodile maintained its grip on the worker for about an hour while onlookers called for help.

“Many of us witnessed the incident, but unfortunately, there was very little we could do to help. Our only option was to call the police for assistance,” Mr. Remdi said.

Police Intervention and Hospital Transport

When police arrived at Adventure Park, employees pumped water out of the pond to facilitate the rescue. Officers discharged multiple rounds at the reptile, with Mr. Remdi stating that the animal was finally killed after being struck eleven times.

Rescuers freed the injured handler and rushed him to 3 Mile General Hospital for emergency treatment. According to the ABC, he had lost a leg during the attack. He succumbed to his injuries the following morning, passing away at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Mr. John recalled seeing the worker in acute distress while trapped by the animal.

He was in severe pain but he couldn’t scream. He couldn’t speak properly at that time. It was the pain I could see from his eyes. The only thing I could hear him say was, ‘I haven’t done anything wrong’.

Gibson John, eyewitness

Park Safety and Prior Demonstrations

Adventure Park in Port Moresby is known for hosting regular crocodile feeding demonstrations that involve close staff interaction with the reptiles. Following the fatal incident, the facility closed its gates until further notice, and staff members gathered at a funeral home, according to the ABC.

The attack followed months after social media videos emerged showing staff members engaging in close-proximity interactions with crocodiles at the facility, including splashing water near the animals’ jaws, tugging at their necks, and sitting or standing on their backs during feeding exhibitions.