Siem Reap, Cambodia – In a tragic incident at a family-owned reptile farm, a 72-year-old man was brutally killed by a group of 40 crocodiles after accidentally falling into their enclosure. The incident took place in Siem Reap, a popular resort town in northwestern Cambodia.
The man, who was managing the reptile farm, was attempting to relocate one of the crocodiles that had laid eggs. However, as he tried to prod the crocodile away using a stick, the reptile grabbed hold of it and dragged him into the enclosure.
The moment the man fell, the other crocodiles in the enclosure swiftly approached and attacked him, tearing his body apart. The concrete enclosure soon turned into a gruesome scene with bloodstains covering the area.
Mey Savry, the police chief of Siem Reap commune, shared details of the incident, stating, “While he was attempting to chase a crocodile out of its egg-laying cage, the crocodile attacked the stick, causing him to fall into the enclosure.” Savoy added, “Other crocodiles then joined in, attacking him until he succumbed to his injuries.” The man’s body bore numerous bite marks, with one of his arms reportedly bitten off and consumed by the aggressive crocodiles.
This is not the first tragic incident involving crocodiles in the area. In 2018, a similar incident occurred when a two-year-old girl wandered into her family’s reptile farm and was fatally attacked and consumed by crocodiles in the same village.
Siem Reap, known as the gateway city to the renowned ruins of Angkor Wat, is home to several crocodile farms. These farms play a significant role in breeding and conserving crocodile populations, but incidents like these serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with managing these powerful and predatory reptiles.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at reptile farms and the potential risks involved in working closely with such dangerous animals. It is crucial for farm owners and workers to prioritize safety protocols to prevent tragic accidents like this from occurring.
The local authorities and relevant regulatory bodies should also conduct thorough investigations into the incident to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place at all reptile farms in the area.