Authorities from the Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are urging visitors to be more cautious after a nature tour guide was bitten by a Komodo dragon late last month.
The incident, detailed in a press release issued this week, took place on Sept. 28. Lukita Awang from the park’s office said that the victim, identified as Anton, was working around the facilities at Loh Buaya, where he was tasked to keep the giant reptiles away from other workers at the time.
The statement said Anton suddenly fell to the ground at one point, during which an adult Komodo dragon quickly lunged toward his hip, slicing up his flesh. It took about five minutes for other guides to pry the dragon away, after which Anton was immediately given first aid.
Anton was later taken to a hospital, where he is still undergoing treatment. According to reports, Anton sustained some injuries on his thigh. There has been no statement yet on whether or not he is fully expected to recover.
“The Komodo dragon is a wild animal […] The public must understand, especially tourists. They must always be careful and cautious,” Awang said.
Last December, a Komodo dragon in the same area reportedly attacked a construction worker, causing some serious injuries on his arms and legs. A similar incident also occurred back in 2017, when a construction worker identified as Yoseph Paksa was bitten on his feet and hand.
According to Kawan Baik Komodo, a collective aiming to protect the park and the environment in NTT, these incidents indicate that ongoing projects at the park are not implemented with adequate safety and conservation standards, thus requiring further evaluation.
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