Overview

• State environment authorities confirmed an active investigation into two Instagram clips and said they are exploring compliance action, including fines that can reach roughly AU$37,500 under Queensland law.
• The videos show Mike Holston, known as The Real Tarzann, chasing and restraining freshwater and saltwater crocodiles near Lockhart River in Cape York before releasing them, which he defended as educational content.
• Queensland Premier David Crisafulli publicly criticized the behavior, while conservationist Bob Irwin urged tougher penalties and even deportation, and PETA and World Animal Protection condemned the posts.
• Officials cited crocodile experts who described the animals’ subdued response in one clip as completely uncharacteristic, raising welfare concerns, and Holston appeared to suffer a bleeding arm injury.
• Advocacy groups warned of copycat stunts and pressed social platforms to remove harmful wildlife content, as authorities noted no prosecutions or immigration decisions have been announced.