Shocking moment a crocodile feeding session ends in horror as the animal launches itself at a ranger
- Ranger bitten by crocodile in ‘minor’ incident
- Viewed by Billabong Sanctuary visitors
- Not the first time a ranger has been bitten
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The horrifying moment a two-metre crocodile leapt at a sanctuary ranger and bit him was caught on camera by shocked tourists.
The young ranger spent a second night in hospital after a crocodile feeding session at the famous Billabong Sanctuary near Townsville in north Queensland went horribly wrong.
Monday’s afternoon feeding session began like any other, with the ranger introducing spectators to Junior.
Footage shows Junior waiting for his meal in his camp before sending himself down to the ranger and snapping a finger.
The shocked ranger screamed outbursts as the crocodile attacked and withered in pain.
This is the terrifying moment Junior the crocodile launched himself at a sanctuary ranger as shocked visitors watched
‘He was in shock. It looked like he didn’t want to look at his hand,” visitor Kate Javie told Nine News.
“My friends ran to reception to alert them and get some first aid to help stop the bleeding.”
“He apologized to us, but we really felt for him.”
The ranger (25) was taken to hospital in a stable condition where he is still recovering.
Queensland Ambulance Service acting senior operations supervisor David Cole said the ranger was in “good spirits” despite the harrowing ordeal, adding that he was “a very happy man”.
Ms Javie hopes the sanctuary will learn from the incident, hoping it never happens again.
Billabong Sanctuary described Monday’s ordeal as a ‘minor’ incident
The daily crocodile feeding session is a must-see for Billabong Sanctuary visitors
Bob Flemming, owner of Billabong Sanctuary, said a thorough investigation would review the ‘minor incident’
‘It was not a ‘crocodile attack’. The ranger was not inside the camp, but in the airlock next to the camp where feeding takes place,’ says a statement.
‘Jumping to be fed is the normal routine of feeding this crocodile and the incident was simply a result of bad timing.’
Mr Fleming added there would be no consequences for Junior.’
“We all wish the ranger a full and speedy recovery.”
The latest incident comes months after visitors were evacuated after a 3.8m crocodile escaped an enclosure and had to be recaptured.
In 2016, a 2.5m crocodile latched onto a handler’s arm in front of visitors during a routine feeding session.
The daily feeding sessions are one of the most popular activities at the sanctuary.
“Rangers lure our mighty estuarine crocodiles out of the water in an awe-inspiring display of speed and strength as our crocodiles enjoy their afternoon feeding session,” the website says.
The ranger (pictured moments after he was bitten) remains in hospital