At a Salt Lake City, Utah reptile park called Scales & Tails, a handler was about to feed the alligator in front of visitors when it grabbed her by the hand.
A fast acting visitor, Donnie Wiseman, leapt into the tank after her.
The video was posted to Facebook by Donnie's wife, Theresa Wiseman, which now has over 70 thousand views.
She captioned the video:
"We didn't expect this kind of thing when we set out for a birthday party today!"
"I have the most awesome, brave husband ever! Love you so much Donnie Wiseman and I'm glad you're okay!!
Initially, the visit seemed very typical of a reptile house like Scales & Tails Utah. The handler had opened the enclosure to feel the alligator, just as they always do.
The video began with the handler saying:
"The alligator knows he's not supposed to come up on the platform unless I ask him to."
Owner of the Scales & Tails Utah educational company Shane Richins said in an interview this time the reptile "got a little extra spunky."
Richins said there is meant to be two handlers with the alligators according to a strict policy.
He continued:
"We still enforce it strictly whenever somebody gets in with the gator but, of course, going forward, we will be back to strictly enforcing it with any interactions with the gator for that very reason."
Once the alligator grabbed hold of her hand, she was dragged and barrel rolled into the water.
Wiseman appeared at the entrance to the enclosure and yelled:
"We've got trouble in here!"
That's when Wiseman dove in and climbed on top of the alligator to prevent further thrashing. After being pinned down, the alligator eventually let go of her hand.
Another near by visitor, Todd Christopher, followed the handlers instructions to help her escape from the pool. She instructed Wiseman on how to get out from on top of the alligator safely.
Christopher's wife, who's a trained nurse, began attending to the woman's bite wounds. She had to undergo surgery and is now on antibiotics because of the bacteria that grows in most reptile's mouths.
The video caught the attention of many who called everyone involved called heroes including the handler for remaining calm throughout the situation.
The family owned animal facility made a statement praising the visitors who came to their handler's aid.
"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."
"Their help, combined with the training of our staff member, probably saved her life and her limbs."
Thankfully, the handler is recovering well, according Richins.
@GregAbbott_TX/X
