Circus Performance in Thailand Turns to Shock After Crocodile Bites Trainer Arm

A live circus performance in Thailand took a grim turn as one crocodile chomped down its trainer’s arm and refused to let go for a few seconds.

The horror of a show took place at Bogotara Wildlife Park in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand on Sunday.

In a widely-shared clip of the incident, the trainer in black can be seen reaching into the mouth of the crocodile.

Twenty seconds into the act, the trainer appears to have probed deeper than the reptile could handle, resulting in a bite that shocked hundreds of spectators.

The crocodile held its trainer’s arm as the latter struggled to let go.

It eventually released to the relief of the trainer, who clutched his bloody arm as he walked out in pain.

The trainer, identified as Tao, sustained deep cuts but received prompt treatment, according to Chiang Mai News.

The park also vowed to cover his medical expenses and pay him while on leave.

Khun Phusawit, 35, captured the incident while visiting the park with his wife and children.

“The show was very good until that happened. I hope that the may is okay and he gets better soon,” the Daily Mail quoted Phusawit as saying. “Everybody was shocked when it happened. The kids were a little bit scared.”

“I’ve watched the clip back many times to see how it happened and the crocodile seems to not like having the hand in his mouth,” he added.

Despite the horrifying experience, Tao reportedly looks forward to working again.

Dong Wittawat, the park’s owner, told reporters:

“The performer is fine. His name is Tao and he is 45. The crocodile does not have a name.

“He was was treated at the farm with bandaging. He loves crocodiles and he will be working again soon in the next two weeks. It is very rare for this to happen.”