A self-styled wildlife influencer known online as “The Real Tarzann” has landed himself in hot water after posting a jaw-dropping video of himself wrestling a freshwater crocodile in the wilds of Queensland, Australia.
Mike Holston, who boasts more than 23 million followers across social media, shared the footage on Thursday, September 4, and reactions were immediate — and fierce. In the video, shot near Lockhart River in Cape York, Holston steps off a small boat into shallow waters and charges toward a crocodile. Startled, the reptile attempts to swim away, but Holston pursues it, jumps on its back, and wrestles it toward shore in a tense, heart-stopping struggle. Blood is visible on Holston’s arm as he laughs and shouts about the encounter.
“This is what dreams are made of,” he says to the camera. “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to come to Australia, see crocodiles up close, and handle them with my own hands.”
While some of Holston’s followers applauded the stunt as daring and “epic,” many others were horrified. Social media quickly became a battleground of opinions.
“Why do that to them? Leave them alone,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “The poor creature was just there, resting. You have no right to bother it for a video.”
Conservationists Hit Back
The public outrage was echoed by animal welfare groups. Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), a Queensland-based organization, condemned Holston’s actions, calling them both dangerous and illegal.
“This kind of behavior causes distress to the animal and breaches the Nature Conservation Act,” the group said in a statement on Friday, September 5. “When such stunts are shared on massive social media platforms without permits or proper authority, it encourages others to take similar risks. Sadly, the legal consequences are minor compared to the profits these accounts generate.”
CROC confirmed that multiple reports of the video have been submitted to authorities and urged the public not to engage with content that harms wildlife. “Reporting is the best way to protect these animals,” they said.
Queensland’s Department of Environment has confirmed an investigation is underway. A spokesperson stressed the seriousness of the offence, noting that disturbing or handling freshwater crocodiles without authorization is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Under state law, offenders can face fines of up to $18,000.
A Pattern of Controversy
Holston’s Queensland stunt is far from his first brush with controversy. His social media is packed with videos showing close encounters with snakes, birds of prey, and even a Sumatran saltwater crocodile. Followers often celebrate his fearless approach, but critics argue that these stunts put both the animals and Holston himself at serious risk.
“This is exactly why wildlife regulations exist,” said one concerned viewer. “It’s not about fear — it’s about respect for living creatures.”
Experts warn that incidents like this can set a dangerous precedent. By promoting risky interactions with wildlife for views, influencers can inadvertently encourage copycat behavior among younger, impressionable audiences who may not understand the potential consequences.
Global Backlash Over Wildlife Stunts
Holston’s video is part of a troubling trend of viral wildlife stunts going wrong. In a recent incident, a Spanish tourist sparked outrage after pouring beer down an elephant’s trunk at a sanctuary in Kenya. The act, captured on video and widely circulated online, drew criticism from conservationists and prompted investigations by Kenya Wildlife Service. Ol Jogi Conservancy, where the incident took place, described the behavior as “unacceptable, dangerous, and completely against our values.”
These cases highlight a growing clash between digital fame and ethical treatment of animals. For Holston, the Queensland crocodile encounter could result in more than just social media criticism — it might carry real legal consequences.
