A Utah reptile center employee named AMY is recovering after an alligator yanked her into its enclosure during a presentation at a birthday party, thrashing her around before a fast-acting visitor leapt inside and helped free her from its jaws.

Donnie Wiseman, 48, jumped into the water and climbed on top of the reptile in an effort to assist the handler.

Shane Richins, the company’s owner, said that the handler was opening the enclosure to feed the alligator as usual, but this time the reptile ‘got a little extra spunky.’

Donnie said: ‘I’m glad he wasn’t any bigger,’ ‘We would have been in trouble. I would say he was about seven feet. I’m 6’3′, and he had me beat by a bit.’

AMY is ‘doing well and is in recovery.’ And will be back at Scales & Tails Utah soon.

As for the Gator, he has the best name ever and will be fine. Darth Gator will have to find someone else hand.

A petting zoo worker's training kicked in when an alligator named Darthgator bit down on her hand, but she still needed help — so a visitor jumped into the tank with her. Tonight, the recovering handler spoke to @sltrib about her experience.https://t.co/Ra3EceBVGk

— The Salt Lake Tribune (@sltrib) August 17, 2021