UPDATE: Animal handler loses thumb in wildlife park croc attack

A reptile handler has had his thumb bitten off during a crocodile attack at a Queensland wildlife park.

Ian Jenkins, 58, was attacked at the Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo near Childers, south of Bundaberg, about 1pm.

The zoo's website says the saltwater crocodile feeding and commentary session is held at 12.30pm.

The RACQ Careflight Bundaberg rescue helicopter was also sent to the scene.

Mr Jenkins was attempting to gain the attention of a crocodile by holding a chicken in his right hand when the incident happened, an RACQ Careflight spokesman said.

"He's taken his hat off and was holding his hat in his left hand, when the crocodile jumped up and grabbed his hat and his left hand," the spokesman told AAP.

"The crocodile has bitten his left hand and amputated his left thumb."

A section of his left hand was torn down to the wrist

He was airlifted to the Bundaberg Base Hospital in a stable condition. He was administered significant pain relief for his injury.

He also suffered a head injury during the incident, the QAS said.

He will undergo surgery later today.