A distressing incident occurred at Billabong Sanctuary in Nome, Queensland, where a wildlife worker sustained a crocodile bite during a live performance for the visitors.
The ill-fated event transpired at exactly 3:15pm on Monday, while the park presenter was involved in the feeding of a two-meter crocodile affectionately identified as Junior. In the course of the feeding, the presenter suffered a bite on his middle finger.
Subsequent to the incident, the presenter received immediate medical attention from a certified nurse on-site before being transported to a hospital for further treatment.
While the bite could be perceived as severe by many, the sanctuary’s owner, Bob Flemming, labeled the mishap as “minor.” He quickly reassured the public saying, “This wasn’t a ‘crocodile attack.'” Flemming pointed out the ranger was not directly in the crocodile’s enclosure but was in the adjacent airlock where the feeding customarily transpires.
Flemming further clarified that the occurrence was a pure accident resulting from a timing misjudgment during the crocodile’s routine leap for its feed.
The sanctuary ensured a comprehensive investigation into the incident, despite ruling out any consequences for Junior, the crocodile. “We will conduct a thorough delve into the matter,” vowed Flemming. Nonetheless, he adamantly stated there will be “no ramifications” for the crocodile.
The sanctuary’s owner expressed his sincere wishes for the quick recovery of the zoo worker, “We all wish the ranger a complete and speedy recovery,” Flemming declared.
