Disturbing footage, but not graphic.
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Renee Robertson was backed into a corner at the feeding enclosure by a 2.5 metre female saltwater crocodile before being attacked. Another ranger can then be seen hitting the animal on the head with a stick to try and make it let go.
The crocodile relented and released Ms Robertson who suffered major injuries and was rushed to Townsville Hospital in a serious condition.
‘Last report I heard she was sitting up in bed having an ice block.
Bob Flemming, owner of Billabong Sanctuary, said Ms Robertson underwent surgery to fix the injuries sustained in the unexpected attack and that doctors had cleared her of nerve damage.
In the shocking video, the crocodile – known as Tipper – can be seen eyeing off Ms Robertson and running toward her.
Eight other people who witnessed the incident – which happened during an afternoon feeding demonstration – were treated for shock. “We’re very fortunate that she’s going to fully recover”.
Senior operations supervisor Ross MacDonald attended the scene and said the woman, who was a worker at the Billabong Sanctuary, had been “backed into the corner” of a crocodile pen.
Mr Fleming said the crocodile would not be euthanised.
Brad Cooper, curator of the sanctuary, adds that Robertson was in the middle of a six-month training working with reptiles.
“We will be going through a full investigation of the incident and reviewing our training protocols”.
He said he was trying to determine what happened and would give employees the support they needed.
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The sanctuary is expected to reopen today and continue with the daily feeding show at 3.15pm.
