Selfie gone wrong: Tourist mistakes real crocodile for statue, mauled at Philippine mangrove park

A tourist’s selfie attempt nearly turned fatal after he mistook a real crocodile for a statue at Kabug Mangrove Park in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines.

The 29-year-old man, whose name has not been released, reportedly waded into shallow water to pose with what he believed was a lifelike crocodile sculpture.

To his horror, the 15-foot reptile suddenly lunged and sank its jaws into him, dragging him into the murky depths in front of stunned parkgoers, Cosmo reported.

The terrifying struggle lasted more than 30 minutes. Park staff and a crocodile handler fought to free the man from the predator’s grip, eventually succeeding.

The victim, bloodied and in shock, was rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors treated him for severe injuries, including deep bites that required over 50 stitches.

A video shared by Police Sergeant Joel Sajolga showed the aftermath: the man visibly shaken inside a protective cage. “This man did a stupid thing and got trapped,” Sajolga captioned the clip bluntly.

The following video contains graphic visuals that some viewers may find upsetting:

The incident has gone viral, prompting both ridicule and concern online. Many questioned how anyone could mistake a live crocodile for a sculpture, while others criticised park safety measures.

In response, local authorities and park officials have urged the public to follow safety guidelines and treat all wildlife with caution, even in controlled environments.

Despite his injuries, the man is expected to recover fully — a lucky outcome, considering crocodiles often kill by drowning and dismemberment. Park officials say they’re reviewing safety signage and visitor protocols to prevent future incidents.