A wildlife influencer known as “The Real Tarzann” is under investigation by Australian authorities after uploading a video of himself wrestling a crocodile in Queensland.
The Real Tarzann, real name Mike Holston, shared the controversial video with his 15 million Instagram followers last week. It shows him stepping off a boat into shallow water near Lockhart River in Cape York and charging toward a freshwater crocodile.
The animal apprently drew blood as Holston is heard saying: “He got a good piece of my arm, man.” After securing the crocodile and holding it up to camera, he adds: “This is what dreams are made of.”
The post has attracted nearly two million likes. A follow-up video, shared the next day, shows Holston attempting to capture a saltwater crocodile. In both cases, he eventually releases the animals back to the wild.
Holston’s social media is dedicated to encounters with creatures big and small, including snakes, eagles, and lions. However, many in the comments were less than impressed with his latest stunt. “There is nothing more unattractive than a man mishandling an innocent animal,” one commenter wrote.
Officials are investigating the incidents, according to the BBC, and the influencer could face a fine of up to 37,500 Australian dollars ($25,000).
“These actions are extremely dangerous and illegal, and we are actively exploring strong compliance action including fines to deter any person from this type of behaviour,” a statement by the Queensland authorities said. (Fast Company has reached out to Holston for comment.)
The incident is part of a broader trend of influencers using wildlife as props. Earlier this year, another U.S. influencer visiting Australia sparked backlash and calls for deportation after posting a video snatching a baby wombat from its mother.
Bob Irwin, father of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, also weighed in. He argued that such “influencers” should be “booted out the door” if they don’t respect Australia’s wildlife.
“This isn’t a Steve Irwin issue. This is about an individual illegally interfering with protected fauna,” Bob Irwin said in a statement.
“Anyone who actually knows how to handle crocodiles knows they don’t respond well to capture,” he added. “It’s a specialized skill to do it without causing dangerous stress and lactic acid build-up—and this bloke clearly had no clue.”
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