FATAL CROCODILE ATTACK AT PAPUA NEW GUINEA ADVENTURE PARK CLAIMS LIFE OF SENIOR KEEPER

Tragedy struck the 14 Mile Adventure Park on the outskirts of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, when an experienced animal keeper lost his life following a sudden attack by a large saltwater crocodile. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during an unannounced feeding interaction inside the reptile enclosure.

According to official statements, the staff member entered the fenced area with a chicken to feed the massive reptile. The saltwater crocodile unexpectedly seized the keeper by his legs and dragged him toward the pond. Despite the victim holding firmly to the edge of the enclosure, the predator maintained its grip for more than an hour while onlookers desperately attempted to intervene.

Eyewitnesses, including park visitor Gibson John, described the frantic scene as bystanders tried to assist by holding the worker's arms and extending an iron bar over the fence. Emergency services were immediately contacted as unarmed park security guards were unable to free the man from the animal's jaws.

"The situation was extremely critical as the animal refused to let go despite all rescue attempts," noted eye-witness accounts gathered at the scene.

Officers from the local police force and responders from St John Ambulance arrived shortly after. To secure the victim's release, police officers were forced to shoot and kill the crocodile inside the enclosure. The injured keeper, who suffered severe trauma including the loss of a leg, was rushed to the 3 Mile General Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Despite receiving intensive care, medical personnel confirmed that the senior handler succumbed to his severe injuries around 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 6. The victim, originally from the Western Islands in northern Papua New Guinea, had been employed at the facility for nearly two years and was widely regarded as a skilled professional.

Following the tragedy, management announced the temporary closure of the facility to conduct an extensive internal investigation into safety protocols and emergency handling. The incident has raised broader discussions regarding wildlife management practices in controlled environments across the Pacific region.