Man Poses For Picture Near 'Concrete Crocodile,' Ends Up Getting Mauled [Watch]

A 68-year-old man was attacked by a crocodile after he clambered into a reptile enclosure to click a picture. The man accidentally touched the reptile, believing it was a concrete statue.

Nehemias Chipada, hailing from Cagayan de Oro city in the Philippines, was at Amaya View theme park on Nov. 10 when the incident happened. He was there to celebrate his birthday, Inquirer reported.

A video of the incident doing rounds on social media shows Chipada and his family members taking pictures near the enclosure. A few seconds later, Chipada is seen climbing down to get closer to the "replica" of the beast. He wades deep in the shallow pond and taps the head of the "statue," which was in fact a beast lying motionless.

Immediately after Chipada touches the animal, it lurches onto the man, locking his jaws on his left arm. Chipada is heard shouting for help after which the animal releases his arm.

The man was immediately treated by the park's medical staff before being rushed to a hospital. He suffered fractured bones and wounds to his left arm and thigh. The animal reportedly clamped on with so much force that a tooth was left behind, according to reports.

The park confirmed they were paying for Chipada's medical expenses. Since the incident, the man has undergone multiple surgeries.

A statement by the Amaya View management said it is extending full financial assistance to Chipada until he completely recovers.

“As a family-oriented resort, Amaya View takes the responsibility of ensuring our guests’ safety with paramount importance and we will continue to be dedicated to our vision and mission of providing safe, fun, and educational attractions and adventures for everyone,” the statement added.

Mercy Joy Chipada, daughter of victim Nehemias Chipada, said her father was recuperating at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center after surgery on his left arm.

A similar incident happened in India recently when a 31-year-old man jumped into a lion enclosure at a zoo, to the horror of parkgoers. Footage of the incident showed the man seated on a boulder along the border of the enclosure. An African Lion was strolling at the bottom of the boulder. Some people were shouting at the man, asking him to be careful. The man escaped unhurt.