Crocodile attacks handler at zoo in Australia

A crocodile has attacked its handler during feeding time at an Australian zoo.

The 3.7 metre crocodile, called John, pulled Trent Burton underwater by his hand during the performing of a regular feeding show at Shoalhaven Zoo.

The attack reportedly occurred in front of horrified children.

Mr Burton was able to get free from the crocodile's grip and managed to escape with his life, but suffered puncture injuries to both hands.

Witness Marlene Orr told The Sun: "It was the scariest thing I have ever seen in my life. We saw the trainer taken by the crocodile.

"I've seen them in the wild, lying on river banks and have seen them at Steve Irwin's Zoo, but never like this. It was too scary."

Another witness, Michelle Brady, saw the attack with her daughters Monique and Georgia.

She told the Sydney Morning Herald: "The trainer was feeding him meat and the crocodile took it before the designated area to be fed. The trainer tried to take it out of the crocodile's mouth and the croc just grabbed his hand and pulled him to the ground and dragged him into the water.

"Then the trainer got free and got out of the water. He had puncture holes in his hand."

According to the Guardian, Nick Schilko, owner of Shoalhaven Zoo, told the South Coast Register: "Of course we are disappointed the attack happened, but thankfully it doesn't appear to be too serious.

"It's an attack and that is serious, but thankfully the injuries aren't life threatening, which it certainly had the potential to be.

"He's more disappointed with himself that it happened. He works with him on a daily basis."

Mr Schilko added that the zoo would review the procedures in place, and that they will be 100 per cent behind Mr Burton if he wants to continue working with the crocodiles.

According to its website, Shoalhaven is "the largest zoo on the NSW South Coast, bringing together over 100 species of native and exotic mammals, birds and reptiles".

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