Steve Irwin’s Father Condemns Influencer’s Crocodile Stunts as Disrespectful and Dangerous

10 September 2025

Australia’s famous “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s father criticized an American influencer who posted viral videos of himself catching crocodiles in Far North Queensland. Newspix via Getty Images

In the lush wetlands of Far North Queensland, a troubling video has sparked fury from an unlikely but powerful source. Bob Irwin, father of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, publicly denounced a viral clip of American influencer Mike Holston aka “The Real Tarzann” wrestling wild crocodiles as “disgusting” and “reckless.”

Holston’s footage showed him grabbing both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles by the neck near Lockhart River. He jumps from a boat into shallow water and drags one out before nonchalantly laughing as the reptile moans in distress. The repeated claim that this was fulfilling a childhood dream only amplified the backlash.

Bob Irwin was not swayed by defenses citing his son’s legacy. He made it clear that Steve operated under stringent permits and held deep reverence for wildlife. None of that applies here. “This isn’t a Steve Irwin issue,” he said. “This is about an individual interfering with protected fauna.” He demanded that Holston be prosecuted and even deported, arguing social media fame does not trump legal protections.

Environmental experts echoed Irwin’s sentiment. Dr. Meg Shaw of Monash University cautioned that videos like these normalize dangerous behavior, misrepresent wildlife, and may destabilize conservation efforts. Wildlife are not props for clicks and views, she affirmed.

Local authorities are moving forward accordingly. Queensland’s Department of Environment confirmed an ongoing investigation and warned that unauthorized crocodile interference carries fines up to A$37,500. They made clear the harsh truth: dangerous wildlife interactions are illegal, not spectacle.

For Australians already known for protecting both cuddly wildlife and fearsome creatures the outrage goes beyond optics. Wildlife advocates see the influencer trend as a “runaway train,” a misguided wave of deeply exploitative content. Bob Irwin who helped establish the Australia Zoo and who witnessed firsthand the evolution of crocodile laws insists this moment demands serious reform. Social media fame, he stressed, should never give one license to break the law.

By contrast, the broader visibility of platforms like YouTube or Instagram adds pressure rather than protection. Holston’s millions of followers only highlight the alarming speed at which such irresponsible behavior can spread. Irwin, worried about this escalating trend, coined cynical monikers like “dickhead legislation” to advocate for stricter rules. “People who harm wildlife for fun deserve nothing short of full accountability,” he said.

At the core of Irwin’s lament, though, lies a deeper conservation message. His son’s legacy is built on respect, scientific grounding, and education. What Holston did within minutes showcases how easily that ethos can unravel in the algorithm era. Audiences may cheer dramatic stunts but the real cost may come later, when crocodile populations face lethal management because of human provocation.

In the end, Bob Irwin’s staunch voice reminds us of the fragile balance conservation requires. Fame may tempt desire for attention, but it must never undermine reverence for the wild. This is not just about one influencer’s choices it is about setting boundaries for a digital culture that too often rewards spectacle over substance.