Handler injured in crocodile attack at Townsville wildlife sanctuary expected to make full recovery

A handler who was attacked by a crocodile at a wildlife sanctuary in Townsville is expected to make a full recovery.

Renee Robertson, aged 25, a staff member at the Billabong Sanctuary is recovering in hospital after being bitten on the arm while overseeing a feeding show.

A YouTube video of the incident taken by a visitor to the Sanctuary  shows Roberson being attacked by Tipper – a 2.5-metre crocodile.

Queensland Workplace Health and Safety inspectors will visit the sanctuary to investigate the incident.

The owner of Billabong Sanctuary, Bob Flemming, said Robertson had surgery to repair significant injuries to her arm.

Flemming told the ABC “there was no nerve damage so that was the best news we could have had.

"She had surgery and last report I heard she was sitting up in bed having an ice block. We're very fortunate that she's going to fully recover."

Workplace Health and Safety (Worksfe QLD) inspectors are expected to interview both Robertson and Flemming, along with other employees.

Flemming said the crocodile would not be euthanized, adding “we'll just review our training procedures and ensure it never happens again.”

He said he was trying to determine what happened and would give employees the support they needed.

Visit the Billabong Sanctuary website at www.billabongsanctuary.com.au

Images: A Billabong Sanctuary crocodile (top) and Renee Robertson, who is expected to make a full recovery after being attacked (Lower image courtesy of Facebook).

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