U.S. Influencer ‘The Real Tarzann’ Under Investigation in Australia for Controversial Crocodile Videos

Australian authorities have launched a formal investigation into U.S. influencer Mike Holston, widely known as ‘The Real Tarzann,’ following the viral circulation of controversial videos depicting him capturing and restraining wild crocodiles in Queensland. The Queensland environment department confirmed on Thursday their intent to pursue ‘strong compliance action,’ including substantial fines, to combat such dangerous and illegal wildlife interactions.

Holston, who commands a significant Instagram following of 15 million, recently posted two videos. One, uploaded on September 5, shows him wrestling a freshwater crocodile, while another features him easily grabbing a juvenile saltwater crocodile. The freshwater crocodile video alone has amassed over a million likes and more than 33 million views, despite visible blood on Holston’s arm and audible distress from the animal. Queensland officials, citing crocodile experts, deemed the ease with which Holston handled the saltwater crocodile as ‘completely uncharacteristic’ of the species.

The videos, believed to be filmed at Lockhart River on the Cape York Peninsula, have sparked widespread condemnation. Prominent conservationist Bob Irwin, son of Australia’s legendary ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin, vehemently criticized Holston’s actions. Irwin stated that such social media posts ‘can have disastrous consequences for both people and wildlife’ and advocated for increased penalties, asserting that visitors must respect Australian wildlife or face removal from the country.

Interfering with crocodiles is a serious offense in Queensland, carrying a maximum penalty fine of approximately 37,500 Australian dollars (around $25,000 USD). This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding influencers’ interactions with Australian wildlife, following a similar controversy in March involving another U.S. influencer.

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