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Animal rights campaigners criticise Steve Irwin baby stunt
3 Jan 2004
Animal rights organisations have today criticised celebrity crocodile hunter Steve Irwin after he exposed a crocodile to a live human baby. The Australian zoo-owner brought his three-month-old son into a crocodile enclosure as part of his act, provoking an angry response from PETA.
"I find it absolutely appalling that Mr Irwin should expose an innocent crocodile to a live baby during his pathetic 'entertainment' act," said spokesman Douglas Ramsbottom. "The baby had had no training in handling crocodiles, and had the crocodile become distressed – which is likely, when unfamiliar human babies suddenly invade its territory – it would not have known how best to handle the situation."
"Further, the baby could have been sick on the poor crocodile, which, had it ingested the vomit, could have made it very ill," he continued. "Or what if the baby's nappy had fallen off – the crocodile could have choked on it. Mr Irwin could even have dropped the baby and the crocodile could have attempted to eat it, thus causing severe damage to its digestive system because of the unfamiliar foodstuff."
"This stunt was totally irresponsible and there was no concern for the crocodile's welfare," Mr Ramsbottom added. "Mr Irwin should be ashamed of himself."
Although PETA are pressing for criminal charges to be brought against Mr Irwin, police in Australia have said that since no harm came to the crocodile then no further action will be taken. They have, however, warned him not to expose crocodiles to similar risks in the future.
Mr Irwin stood by his actions in a statement to the media, saying that he kept the baby a safe distance from the crocodile throughout his act and that at no time was the crocodile in any danger.
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