Croc attacks man at Shoalhaven Zoo | VIDEO.

Shoalhaven Zoo animal handler Trent Burton is in the Sydney Hand Hospital recovering after coming off second best in his horrifying encounter with the zoo’s resident crocodile, John on Monday.

Mr Burton, 31, suffered puncture wounds to both hands after being bitten and dragged into the water of the croc’s enclosure during a school holiday show at the zoo in North Nowra.

Mr Burton was performing one of the regular crocodile feeding shows when the 3.7 metre male, grabbed him by the hand and dragged him into the water in front of horrified spectators.

Shoalhaven Zoo owner Nick Schilko said his employee was recovering well in a Sydney Hospital and is due to see specialists.

“We are just thankful that he is alright. He had a little bit of damage to his right hand that had a few stitches but his left hand needs specialist treatment,” he said.

“It will need a good flushing out and cleaning, he has a broken finger and lacerations that need stitching.

“They want a specialist to look at it before they do anything else.”