Rebecca Manzi American influencer Mike Holston risks his life attacking a crocodile in Australia; legal action follows amid social media backlash.
@therealtarzann/Instagram
Some influencers will go to any lengths for a few extra million views, but this time, the gamble may be far too costly. Mike Holston, better known as The Real Tarzan, decided to put himself to the ultimate test in Queensland, Australia, where he confronted a freshwater crocodile like an action movie hero.
The footage, shot near Lockhart River by a cameraman, shows Holston stepping off a boat, wading into the water up to his knees, and sprinting toward the reptile. Startled, the animal attempts to flee, but Holston catches up, leaps onto its back, and drags it ashore.
Mike Holston, known online as The Real Tarzan, is in hot water after posting a video wrestling a croc. #9News
Posted by 9 News on Saturday, September 6, 2025
A chilling spectacle
During the struggle, Holston sustains an arm injury, yet his grin never fades. Laughing, he displays the blood flowing and remarks, “He grabbed me, but I grabbed him!” He quickly adds, “He took a nice chunk out of my arm, look at that beast.”
And the spectacle doesn’t end there. As the crocodile thrashes, Holston exclaims, “It’s amazing, a lifelong dream. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to come to Australia, see crocodiles up close, and hold them in my hands.”
These chilling scenes, which have racked up over 800,000 views online, read more like entertainment at the expense of the animal than a genuine wildlife encounter.
Social backlash and investigation e l’avvio di un’indagine
The backlash was swift. CROC, an organization dedicated to protecting crocodiles in Australia, condemned the influencer’s actions as illegal and dangerous, reminding viewers that the Nature Conservation Act prohibits handling these animals without official permits. Violators can face fines up to $12,000 USD (18,000 AUD).
Wildlife regulators across Australia need to step up. These are not “grey areas” of the law—they’re black and white. Handling, feeding or interfering with wildlife without a permit is an offence, and permits are hard to obtain for good reason. You can read it under section 88 of the Nature Conservation Act. The line “we are investigating” is wearing thin. Since our campaign began in 2023, not a single penalty has been issued in Queensland—despite repeated breaches, from wildlife killings to illegal crocodile feeding.We’ll be watching closely to see how the NT Government responds, as this offence appears, and others on his channel, to fall in their jurisdiction along with QLD. #therealtarzan#wildlifeoffences#notconservation#noteducation#freshwatercrocodile#saltwatercrocodile
Posted by CROC – Community Representation of Crocodiles on Monday, September 8, 2025
Queensland’s Department of Environment has also launched an investigation, emphasizing that disturbing crocodiles is not only a legal violation but also an extreme risk for those who attempt it. Yet the broader issue is clear: animals have increasingly become props for clicks and profit. And as long as social media rewards such spectacles, someone will always be willing to turn nature into a stage, with little regard for the consequences.
Fonte: @therealtarzann/Instagram/CROC
