Horrifying new video of fatal crocodile attack as beast performs death roll on wildlife worker – months after staff taunted them in enclosure
A wildlife worker at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has died after a crocodile seized him during a feeding and performed a "death roll" while horrified onlookers watched. The attack, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, took police roughly an hour and eleven shots to end, and comes just months after videos surfaced showing staff taking reckless risks with the same animals, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety practices at the park.
The victim, who had worked at the park for about two years, was bitten on the legs while feeding the crocodile through the enclosure fence with chicken; colleagues and a bystander tried unsuccessfully to intervene before police were called. Witnesses said the crocodile, reportedly living there since before the country's independence, had never previously attacked its carers, and one described the worker's final words as "I haven't done anything wrong." He was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital but died of his injuries on Sunday morning; the crocodile was shot dead by police during the rescue, and the Port Moresby Adventure Park remains closed until further notice.
In short
- Crocodile fatally death-rolled a keeper at a PNG wildlife park
- Police fired eleven shots to kill the crocodile during rescue
- Worker died in hospital next day; park closed indefinitely
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The fatal attack and earlier footage of staff taking risks with the same animals make a strong case for stricter safety rules, independent oversight and keeping workers out of direct reach during feeding. The worker’s death shows how a familiar routine can still turn deadly, and visitors and staff alike have a legitimate interest in reliable safeguards.
The case against
The tragedy does not by itself establish that the park’s safety practices caused the attack or that its staff generally acted recklessly. Witnesses said the crocodile had not previously attacked its carers, and the worker was feeding it through the enclosure fence; a careful assessment should distinguish proven failings from hindsight and avoid judging the park before the facts are established.
Explained simply
Crocodiles are powerful reptiles that can kill by gripping prey and twisting their bodies in what is known as a “death roll”. Feeding them can be dangerous, even when food is passed through a barrier, because a crocodile may strike quickly and its reach can be difficult to judge.
Port Moresby Adventure Park is a wildlife attraction in Papua New Guinea’s capital. Its keepers care for animals and may feed them as part of their work; the crocodile involved was said to have lived at the park for many years.
The case raises questions about how wildlife parks protect workers and visitors around dangerous animals. Earlier videos reportedly showed staff taking risks near crocodiles, bringing added attention to the park’s safety practices.
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