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.
Wow!! Glad she is okay, and for the man who saved, thank God he was brave enough to help her.— Yolanda H. Silva (@Yolanda H. Silva) 1629207345
Just wow! From the trainer keeping her calm in a frightening situation to the two bystanders willing to put their own safety aside to help her. This could not have gone better considering. Bravo to all three! Hope she is ok and has a full recovery.— Jeanne Brignall (@Jeanne Brignall) 1629209070
He saved her life selflessly. How many people are even capable of doing that, without their own preservation instincts kicking in? Let's hope he gets recognition and a reward from the city or county where he lives.— Suzane (@Suzane) 1629225864
An every day Hero.— Old Rocker \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9 (@Old Rocker \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9) 1629205578
Zoologist here! While this keeper did make a mistake & safety protocols for this facility should be reevaluated, alligators CAN be trained to respond to both verbal and visual cues. The ones I work with know their names amongst a whole host of other behaviors such as stationing.— Dr. Wildlife \ud83d\udc0d \ud83d\udd1c Furry Migration GoH (@Dr. Wildlife \ud83d\udc0d \ud83d\udd1c Furry Migration GoH) 1629233851
Now that\u2019s a HERO!! Kindness and concern for others, that\u2019s what it\u2019s about folks.— Michelle Jones (@Michelle Jones) 1629203922
Thank God to that man who put his own safety at risk without much thought to safe that woman. And she stayed calm as possible throughout that, which I\u2019m sure helped him do what he needed to help both walk away.— Kelly Michelle (@Kelly Michelle) 1629220942
Watch again. The girl gives the guy instructions on what to do. After the edit (for time), she is chilling with her head in her hand. Waiting for the gator to let go. Both are awesome!!— \u26beGeorge Rigby Jr\u26be (@\u26beGeorge Rigby Jr\u26be) 1629205690
I think we all can thank the late Steve Irwin. A generation watched him in action & knowing to get on its back to stop the \u201cdeath roll\u201d was a common sight on his show. RIP Croc Hunter & WELL DONE to her savior!— Joab Dellinger (@Joab Dellinger) 1629202089
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.
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