Mauled Queensland croc handler lucky to have escaped alive

The Queensland animal handler attacked by a four-metre long saltwater crocodile has told of his relief to be alive.
Ian Jenkins was feeding a crocodile named Macca during a show at his southern Queensland zoo on Sunday when it attacked.

The 58-year-old lost a thumb in the attack but it could have been much worse.

"I might not have got out of there actually," Mr Jenkins told 9NEWS.

"I've got a wife and three daughters – to put them through that sort of thing it's just not on."

Mr Jenkins blames himself for the attack, and if it wasn't for quietly-spoken fellow handler Louise Smith, he may not be alive today.

She jumped into the enclosure and hit the enraged crocodile with a stick.

"I did what I could to try and distract Macca's attention from Ian, and give Ian a chance to remove himself from the situation," Ms Smith said.

Mr Jenkins is now facing more surgery, skin grafts and a long rehabilitation – but may yet return to his perilous occupation.

"This morning I was wanting to give the whole job away, but I'm starting to sort of think twice now," Mr Jenkins said.