An American social media influencer is under investigation after posting controversial videos showing him capturing and restraining crocodiles in Australia. Mike Holston, known online as the “Real Tarzan,” has amassed more than 15 million Instagram followers, where he shared the shocking clips, sparking outrage from environmental authorities and wildlife experts.
The Shocking Videos Go Viral
In the videos, Holston is seen approaching a freshwater crocodile, leaping onto the animal, and wrestling it while blood is visible on his arm. He claims the animal was released safely after taking several photos and close looks. In another video, Holston warned his audience not to attempt replicating his actions, saying, “This is the crocodile. This is what they’re all about,” and expressing a bizarre affection toward the wild reptile.
Holston captioned his posts with statements like, “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to come to Australia,” and “This is what dreams are made of,” showing no apparent concern for the legality or safety of his actions.
Environmental Officials Condemn the Acts
Australian environmental authorities have reacted strongly, describing Holston’s behavior as “extremely dangerous and illegal.” They confirmed they are actively pursuing “strong compliance action” against Holston for violating wildlife protection laws. Officials warned that such reckless interactions with crocodiles not only endanger the animals but also set a dangerous example for millions of followers, especially young viewers who might attempt to imitate these actions.
Holston now faces the possibility of a fine up to $25,000 if found guilty of breaking Australian wildlife regulations.
Criticism from the Irwin Family
Bob Irwin, father of the late famous “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, also publicly condemned Holston’s videos. He emphasized that Steve Irwin’s legacy was built on respect for wildlife, not dangerous and abusive stunts designed for internet fame.
“It’s disgusting,” Bob Irwin said. “The crocodile is clearly under extreme stress. The more dramatic or cruel the interaction, the more money these accounts make.” He further stressed that such reckless behavior damages the reputation of wildlife conservation and endangers both animals and humans.
The Growing Problem of Dangerous Influencer Stunts
Holston is not the first influencer to come under scrutiny for dangerous wildlife interactions. Social media’s growing monetization of viral content creates an incentive for influencers to perform increasingly risky or shocking stunts to attract views, likes, and followers.
Experts warn that these actions normalize illegal behavior and animal cruelty, potentially inspiring reckless followers to attempt similar acts without understanding the risks or consequences.
Holston’s Silence Amid Investigation
As of now, Mike Holston has not publicly responded to the investigation or the mounting backlash. His social media accounts remain active, with several of the controversial videos still accessible, although authorities are expected to issue further directives regarding their removal.
A Call for Responsibility
Environmentalists and wildlife advocates are urging both social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take decisive action. They argue that influencers must be held accountable for promoting harmful and illegal content under the guise of entertainment.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of social media stunts involving wildlife. Authorities continue their investigation, focusing not only on the fines and legal charges but also on promoting awareness about responsible interaction with wildlife.
As the world watches, the question remains: Will this serve as a turning point toward greater accountability for social media influencers exploiting animals for fame?