Dramatic video of alligator grabbing Utah zoo handler, visitor jumps in to help

A visitor is being called a hero after he jumped into action to rescue a Utah zoo handler whose hand was trapped in the mouth of an alligator.

The terrifying incident happened at Scales and Tales, located in West Valley City, and was captured on video by Theresa Wiseman.

The footage appears to show the handler entering the enclosure with a small group, including several children, watching through the protective glass.

As the reptile slowly lunges forward with its mouth opened, the handler attempts to push it back but the gator quickly latches onto the woman’s hand.

She then goes into the water and the gator begins to whip the woman’s arm back and forth. The gator rolls – a common predatory move – and the woman rolls with it in order to keep her hand intact.

Wiseman’s husband, Donnie, quickly realizes the woman is in need of help and jumps into action, trying to pull her from the gator’s grip.

The handler directs him to jump on the back of the alligator. The duo remains impressively calm while the woman’s hand remains stuck in the gator’s mouth.

After roughly one minute the gator begins to move back and forth and the woman’s hand is freed.

Another guest grabs the handler and pulls her to safety while Donnie remains on the gator’s back.

The handler begins providing direction to Donnie who is able to pin the gator under his body.

He manages to quickly jump off the back of the gator and exit the enclosure before the reptile can turn itself around.

Local media said the woman had to undergo surgery but is expected to fully recover from the incident.

A post on the petting zoo’s Facebook page said the handler is doing well. It went on to thank the heroic actions of the guests who jumped in to help the woman and secure the alligator.