A Queensland wildlife park owner is “in high spirits” despite the likelihood he may lose part of his hand after being attacked by a large crocodile in front of tourists.
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It’s understood the victim, aged in his 60s, works at the farm.
He was flown via helicopter to Mackay Base Hospital and is now in a serious but stable condition with significant injuries to his left forearm and right thigh.
“I already had him back out (of the enclousure) and one bloke (tourist) got out and helped him back into the truck so we could drive him off”, he said.
“He had a severe laceration to his left hand and also some bite marks to his lower right leg”, the spokeswoman said.
Bredl is said to be “in high spirits”.
The Barefoot Bushman’s hand may also require minor amputation after it was crushed inside the crocodile’s mouth during the attack.
Family say he is up and walking about in hospital.
“It happened on land; it was attempting to drag him into the water but he got away before he was submerged”.
“They’d done some haemorrhage control on him and the patient was stable, they’d done an excellent job at looking after him”, she added.
Paramedics treated Mr Bredl on scene with first aid, pain management and applying splints as a precaution.
The RACQ CQ rescue helicopter was tasked to the region after 1pm and paramedics were taking him to a suitable location to be airlifted to hospital.
Koorana Crocodile Farm owner John Lever said Mr Bredl had worked with crocodiles all his life.
‘Our hearts go out to him.
Lever said that crocodile attacks increase in spring when the animals become sexually active and territorial.
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The family posted an update on Facebook about the incident, writing: “Rob Bredl The Barefoot Bushman has been bitten by a crocodile at around 12 today”.
