Steve Irwin, Bob Irwin, Murray the Crocodile,
& The Snake Faux Pas

This page is dedicated to interview questions about Steve Irwin, Bob Irwin, and the controversy around the crocodile pen activities. In February of 2005 new laws were established in Queensland directly as a result of the Crocodile Hunter's past actions.

Do you know Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter?

I met Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin on the set of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I was hired to work with the company that provided the animals for his appearance. Bindi Irwin (Steve Irwin's daughter) was just a young tyke then. So, I've worked with him professionally for that one appearance.

What impressions did you form?

Although I don't always agree with the choices the Crocodile Hunter makes, Steve Irwin is considered an excellent showman by the media--and he is very family oriented. Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin were introducing Bindi Irwin to some of the animals behind the scenes before our taping. The intent was to teach Bindi Irwin to be comfortable with animals for the future. The introductions I attended, and supervised, with Terri and Bindi were handled safely.

The reason our team was working on the set was because many other trainers were no longer willing to work with Steve Irwin. The general consensus was that he puts animals and the humans involved in the filming at too much risk. Escaped animals and close calls were common when filming on set with Irwin. Recently Animal Planet released a show showing some of the close calls with his camera crews on location. Animal professionals do not normally put their animals or others at risk--it is bad protocol.

In our segment of the Tonight Show, Steve Irwin was give specific directives to not take any risks with Jay Leno. (We had the anti-venin on hand, but prefered not to take life threatening risks.) Ignoring instructions, Steve Irwin dared Jay Leno to touch the Gaboon Viper (one of the most venomous snakes in the world). Jay Leno took the dare. Due to his irresponsible actions, It was questionable as to whether we would ever work with Steve Irwin's people again. They got a heated earful about the lack of professionalism and disregard for safety protocol.

Although the Gaboon Viper seems sluggish, it strikes with amazing speed and agility. They are venomous and deadly with two large venom glands. The venom is a powerful haemotoxin (destroys blood cells and vessels) and its bite can kill a full grown human in less than 15 minutes.

What is your opinion on the recent activities of Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter with his baby Bob Irwin in the pen with Murray the crocodile?

Many people (children of all ages, teens, and adults) are included in supervised activities with killer whales, dolphins, camels, elephants, barnyard critters, dogs, cats, horses, birds, and other animals. There is always a calculated risk when anyone interacts with an animal (wild or domestic)--even if it is a bunny. Animal professionals usually know behavior well enough to circumvent the risk.

Steve Irwin's activities with Robert Irwin in the crocodile pen were disappointing. I don't believed Steve Irwin used his best judgment in this case, but I also don't believe he thought it was a risk. He probably considered it a controlled circumstance. Many kids are exposed to the work environment by their parents early in life, in this case the difference is in the environment and the creatures within it.

Public figures are often under the gun for situations that are otherwise ignored. I hope the incident can be redirected and used to educate people instead of just enrage them. For instance, the general public does not normally perceive animal interactions as risky when they should. Many people leave their babies and small children alone with their household pets. As a result, kids suffer from animal bites and other injuries. Spinning this story so that it educates the public about risks with animals and how to avoid making mistakes would be a constructive way to channel the energy from this incident.

What is your take on the recent photo of Bob Irwin and the snake on Regis & Kelly?

Steve Irwin did not set the best example in showing the photo of Bob Irwin laying on top of a large constrictor. Professional handlers do not encourage such exhibitions since large snakes can coil around the neck of an adult or can crush and suffocate young children if they are not monitored. A more responsible approach would have been a better illustration of an animal connection between his children and animals. Also, the threat of zoonotic diseases is very real and reptiles pose a higher risk for exposure.

What do you think about the recent Queensland crocodile law?

Background: On February 25, 2005, the Daily Telegraph reported that the Queensland Government has released new rules prohibiting children and any untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures. The new law was sparked by the January 2004 incident at Australia Zoo where Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) held baby son Bob near a large crocodile. The incident created an international outcry and the review of crocodile handling.

Animal behaviorist and author, Diana L. Guerrero said, "Most animal professionals would not expose young children to predatory animals or reptiles because of the dangers from natural instincts and zoonotic diseases. Over regulation could pose problems in the industry since many zoos and oceanariums do allow untrained people behind the scenes. It will be interesting to see how this regional law impacts the animal community worldwide and if it becomes a standard."

Queensland state conducted an extensive review of crocodile handling practices led to the new guidelines. According to reports, the only time a child will be able to enter an enclosure is under a strict, long-term training program that ensures safety controls. Enclosures will also be off-limits to adult members of the public and untrained park employees. Exclusion zones will have to be developed for those working near the reptiles.

Inspections of crocodile farms and exhibitions will begin this year to ensure the safety measures are being met. Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo declined to comment on the issue.

Crocodile Hunter: Steve Irwin Catalyst For New Crocodile Enclosure Rules

On February 25, 2005, the Daily Telegraph reported that the Queensland Government has released new rules prohibiting children and any untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures. The new law was sparked by the January 2004 incident at Australia Zoo where Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) held baby son Bob near a large crocodile. The incident created an international outcry and the review of crocodile handling.

Animal behaviorist and author, Diana L. Guerrero said, "Most animal professionals would not expose young children to predatory animals or reptiles. There is always danger from natural instincts and zoonotic diseases. However, many zoos and oceanariums do allow untrained people behind the scenes so it will be interesting to see how this regional law impacts the animal community worldwide."

Queensland state industrial relations minister Tom Barton told the Parliament that an extensive review of crocodile handling practices led to the new guidelines.

According to reports, the only time a child will be able to enter an enclosure is under a strict, long-term training program that ensures safety controls. Enclosures will also be off-limits to adult members of the public and untrained parks employees. Exclusion zones will have to be developed for those working near the reptiles.

Inspections of crocodile farms and exhibitions will begin this year to ensure the safety measures are being met. Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo declined to comment on the issue.

Did you Know? VH1 ranked this crocodile hunter incident number 4 in the top 100 most outrageous celebrity moments.

Crocodile Hunter Incident Related Links

Herald Sun (Australia) January 6, 2004

News Interactive (Australia) January 5, 2004

Herald Sun (Australia) January 4, 2004

USA Today January 4, 2004

Herald Sun (Australia) January 3, 2004

CNN January 2, 2004

Daily Telegraph February 25, 2005

Croc Vegas?

Croc Vegas in the News

Aussie Wood in Crocodile Hunter Archives