David Golan, the veteran crocodile feeder and head caretaker at the Hamat Gader resort located in northern Israel, has become an online sensation in recent days after a video of him feeding crocodiles at close range went viral.
In an interview with Ynet, Golan spoke about how he protects himself from the predators, why he still has to enter their enclosure despite the risks—and what keeps him coming back to the job after more than 30 years.
“I never underestimate them,” Golan said. “I’m constantly watching them. I’ve been working with them for a long time, so in general, things go pretty smoothly.”
Golan, who lives in a nearby kibbutz, first came to Hamat Gader decades ago and started working at the crocodile farm. “Little by little, it started to suit me,” he said. “I’ve worked with other animals too—not just crocs—and this is what I love to do.”
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He explained that feeding the crocodiles requires more than tossing meat over the fence. “We feed them in an orderly, consistent way,” he said. “If I just threw the food over the barrier, only the strongest crocodiles in the front row would eat and the weaker ones in the back wouldn’t get anything. So to make sure everyone gets fed fairly, I have to go down and hand it out.”
Despite his precautions, Golan admitted there have been some terrifying moments. “I’ve had to run for my life more than once,” he said. “In the beginning, there were times when I had to sprint out.” He added that another staff member is always on hand to keep watch—though their role is limited. “They can’t jump on the croc and save me but at least they can shout for help.”
Golan also addressed viral videos of young people approaching crocodile farms in southern Israel. “Don’t go near them. It’s dangerous,” he warned. “Don’t throw stones or sticks—it just harms the animals. And don’t get close. They can surprise you.”