Scientist Believed To Have Died After Falling Into Crocodile Enclosure

A scientist is believed to have died after she was eaten by crocodile she was attempting to feed at the lab she worked.

Forty-four-year-old Deasy Tuwo, from Indonesia, was reportedly dragged into the enclosure by a crocodile while she was feeding it at a research facility in North Sulawesi.

The croc, named Merry, was later found with the scientist's remains still in its jaws. According to officials, the animal may have stood on its hind legs and jumped up the wall of the enclosure, which was 8ft high, before dragging her into the water.

Merry has reportedly attacked other crocs but wasn't considered to be a risk to humans.

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Rescuers attempted to revive Deasy, whose body was found savaged. As they approached, the crocodile was said to 'thrash violently'.

Deasy, who was a lead scientist, was described as a quiet woman and animal-lover.

A colleague of Deasy's, Erling Rumengan said: "We were curious when we looked at the crocodile pool, there was a floating object, it was Deasy's body.

"We were afraid to touch it and we immediately reported the incident at the Tombariri police station.

"It's possible the crocodile jumped from the side. Maybe it's because the crocodile was still full, it didn't finish eating her body."

Another former co-worker added: "She was the head of the lab. A quiet person. We're confused about how this happened.

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"The crocodile eats chicken, tuna and meat. Everything must be fresh, he doesn't want to eat if it's frozen or has died a few days."

Shocking images show Merry strapped to a flatbed, which was then taken away so tests could be carried out to find out if it had eaten parts of the woman's body. Merry is set to be taken to a wildlife rescue centre where the tests will be performed.

Cops have said they're attempting to contact the owner of the crocodile who is believed to be a businessman from Japan who opened the research facility.

Tomohon police chief Raswin Sirait said: "We are still looking for the owner of the crocodile, besides that we have coordinated with the authorities in the area.

"I believe the owner must acknowledge this horrible incident. But we have neither seen him nor know where he is.

"We also need to know if he is legally permitted to own crocodiles and other expensive aquatics in his company. If there is no permit, he will be detained."

Topics: World News, crocodile, Animals

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19