Blood, Views, and a Crocodile: The Cost of Going Viral

5 September 2025

Mike Holston wrestles with freshwater crocodile in Australia. Credit : Mike Holston/Instagram

Mike Holston steps forward through swirling water and a quiet Queensland shoreline brims with danger. Known online as “the Real Tarzann,” he shares a childhood fantasy come to life a confrontation with a freshwater crocodile. In a video posted on September 4, he stares down the reptile, provocatively stepping out of a boat and daring the animal to react. It does, and the encounter turns violent.

Holston descends into the shallows, grappling with the crocodile’s thrashing body until the creature retaliates. A deep gash blooms along his arm as blood surges, yet Holston laughs and proclaims disbelief at having locked its jaw around him. “This is sick. This is what dreams are made of,” he declares, admiring the animal before it breaks free and slips away. He calls it "strong," then releases it into its world as camera lenses capture every tense moment.

Within a day, the video had clocked more than 800,000 views. Some cheered his bravery. Many others did not. Queensland’s animal advocacy group Community Representation of Crocodiles, or CROC, was among the loudest critics. They denounced the stunt as distressing to the animal, irresponsible, and most importantly illegal under the state’s Nature Conservation Act.

The law forbids intentionally disturbing a crocodile, with penalties potentially exceeding $18,000 USD. CROC emphasized that such behavior, amplified on massive social media platforms without any permits or wildlife expertise, sets a dangerous precedent, especially when creators profit from sensational content. The group urged viewers to report such material rather than applaud it.

Holston, for his part, has not publicly addressed media inquiries about the video. His social presence is built on bold wildlife content close encounters with serpents, birds of prey, and crocodiles have defined his brand. But familiarity does not breed acceptance. Critics have condemned the act not only as reckless but also cruel. One social media user wrote “Just leave them alone,” while another challenged the influencer’s motives for invading the animal’s space for likes and views. Some comments reminded him that the crocodile was not a prop but a wild animal struggling for its existence.

Queensland’s Department of Environment confirmed the matter is under investigation. "It is a significant offence to interfere with freshwater crocodiles in Queensland, not to mention extremely dangerous," a spokesperson stated, affirming that authorities are reviewing the incident.

The controversy highlights a recurring trend where influencers, driven by algorithms and engagement, blur lines between entertainment and ethical boundaries. Stories of wildlife exploitation for content have sparked outrage before from zoo break-ins to forced animal selfies. Holston's crocodile stunt forces us to ask what price we pay when viral thrills are chased at the expense of animal welfare.

As the investigation unfolds, the debate persists. Supporters may label the video thrilling or courageous. Yet others see harm physical harm to the animal, emotional harm to viewers, and the erosion of respect for living creatures. The imagery may fade, but the precedent remains. The broader conversation now includes responsibility, legality, and the ethics of content creation. In a world where viral visibility can be as tempting as it is fleeting, Holston’s encounter serves as a stark reminder: not all dreams are meant to be captured on camera, especially at the expense of the wild.