Alligator attacks handler in Utah as guests come to rescue, video shows

A scary moment occurred at a Utah petting zoo Saturday when an alligator locked its jaws on a handler’s arm and dragged her into its enclosure, shocking video of the incident shows.

Multiple guests entered the tank to help the handler after the reptile pulled her into shallow water at the Scales and Tails Utah center, footage published by local news station Fox 13 shows.

The handler, who has not been identified, is “doing well and is in recovery” after undergoing surgery, company owner Shane Richins told The Associated Press. The employee, who has also received antibiotics, had entered the tank to feed the alligator.

A guest identified as Donnie Wiseman climbed on top of the alligator as visitors yelled in terror, the video shows. He continued to hold the animal down until the handler was free, with another guest, Todd Christopher, also stepping in to help.

Scales and Tails Utah has a rule that two handlers should be present if one is going into the enclosure, said Richins, who said that guideline will be strongly enforced following Saturday’s attack.

The animal center is located in West Valley City, which is about 11 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.

“These gentlemen could have stayed in the safety zone as most of us would, but instead jumped into the situation, of their own volition, and helped secure the alligator,” reads a statement released by animal organization. “Their help, combined with the training of our staff member, probably saved her life and her limbs.”

With News Wire Services