Queensland is facing a withering campaign of criticism after social media influencers sought deadly close encounters with crocodiles. This alarming trend is fueling more demands for harsher rules. Kirstiana Ward, Solicitor and Team Leader Early Legal Intervention, Environmental Defenders Office (Cairns) She’s been a fierce proponent of tougher wildlife protection laws. Her advocacy made real headway in early 2023 as the public’s concern fomented about the dangerous stunts being pulled by the egregious videos of these social media influencers.
The recent incident involving a 4.2-metre crocodile that killed a dog in a matter of seconds has intensified public outrage. It’s understandable that everyone panics and thinks these very unsettling occurrences point to a huge grave threat. These threats impact pets, but humans and wildlife. Ward is leading a major review of wildlife protection laws in each of the states and territories across Australia.
Now everyone from the Irwin family to celebrities to your Twitter feed is raising awareness. Yes, they are very worried about the reputation built up by the late great Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Bob Irwin, Steve’s father, takes on the powers that be. He would like to see regulators come down hard on those who go alligator wrestling on a dime. He advocated for increased penalties to discourage this reckless behavior. He said the maximum penalty of $37,500 for interfering with saltwater crocodiles was just not strong enough.
“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.” – Queensland environment department’s statement
Queensland passed legislation making it illegal to feed or otherwise harass crocodiles last September. Since then, advocates like Ward have worked to make their regulations even tougher. Even with all of these efforts, Bob Irwin was still frustrated to learn that there hasn’t been a single prosecution under the new law.
“It’s disappointing to understand that not one person has been prosecuted in Queensland since the new legislation was introduced.” – Bob Irwin
Ward has previously described the videos showing close-up encounters with crocodiles as “completely disgusting.” This quote is representative of the growing consensus among wildlife proponents that, more than ever, change is needed. The Environmental Defenders Office and other organizations are tirelessly working to ensure that wildlife protection laws are enforced, especially in the face of social media influencers who prioritize entertainment over animal welfare.
Animal welfare advocate Mimi Bekhechi from Peta Australia supported this view, calling the footage of crocodile encounters “absolutely barbaric.” Thousands of readers feel that this material promotes dangerous, even illegal, conduct toward animals. They think it doesn’t provide any educational benefit.
“That is not education. It is glorifying illegal, harmful activity to our wildlife.” – Amanda French
French, who co-founded the Community Representation of Crocodiles group, highlighted how social media has changed the landscape of wildlife interactions. She noted that Steve Irwin was a major influencer in his day. He did it in a time before social media made it so easy to spark such movements.
“[Steve Irwin] was the original influencer, there’s no doubt about that,” – Amanda French
French further explained that today’s influencers have a much easier time monetizing their exploits with eye-catching video footage on loops such as Instagram Reels and TikTok. This new paradigm has resulted in reckless behavior being in many cases ENCOURAGED rather than penalized.
“But there was no social media back then, there was no ability for people to go, ‘Hey, I’m going to go and do that, and monetise my account.’” – Amanda French
Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin, has decried influencers for their part in pushing such irresponsible and deadly interactions with wildlife. He called them all “dickheads,” adding that anyone who abuses animals for sport is just as responsible.
“And that’s because that’s exactly what content creators like the Real Tarzann are in my books – dickheads.” – Bob Irwin
Advocates are fighting tooth and nail to ensure stronger regulations. They go on to highlight that accountability for influencers is critical to making sure their message sticks. Currently, fines of $8,345 for immediate penalties are inadequate. They fail to deter people from pursuing fame through dangerous acts.
“The message is only going to sink in when we see these so-called influencers held to account and understand that 15 million followers don’t make you exempt from the laws that protect our wildlife.” – Bob Irwin
The crisis has spurred a national conversation about how to most effectively and efficiently protect wildlife and public safety. The number of dangerous interactions are increasing. Community leaders and conservationists are continuing to push regulators for a quick response.