Latest news with #CROC
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Anger erupts after Canadian tourist's 'disgusting' stunt with juvenile crocodile
A Canadian tourist is copping fierce backlash after he handled a "very distressed" juvenile freshwater crocodile in rural Australia. The incident, posted online by Colton Macaulay, shows the social media influencer standing topless as he pulls a small freshwater crocodile from the water with his bare hands. "Hey guys, I'm in Australia right now and we just yoinked a freshwater croc," he says in the video, which has since been taken down. The crocodile is seen thrashing about as it's pulled from the water. He then holds the reptile to the camera, keeping it in place by holding it by the neck. "I don't think he was happy about it because he started making these sounds like a chainsaw. Or maybe that's the sound they make when they decide to cry like a little b***h." While it's unclear if the video was taken in Queensland, Northern Territory or northern Western Australia, one conservationist told Yahoo News he is calling on all levels of government to "step up" and take action on the issue. Matt Cornish, co-founder of Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), is among those to criticise the influencer's dangerous actions and described the vision as "disgusting" and "deplorable". "If we have someone, regardless of which country they are from, abusing our native wildlife, [authorities] need to step up and make an example of them," he told Yahoo News. The influencer claimed in his footage to be a "professional", however, Matt argues that without the correct permits, he is "nothing more than a social media idiot". Permits can be granted in Queensland and the Northern Territory to handle crocodiles in the wild, but they are rarely given out and typically restricted to zoos and government officials when required for research or public safety reasons. "Self-proclaimed professionals have no idea what they are doing, and they are obviously breaking the law by handling native wildlife without the right permits," he said. "We need all levels of government to step up and take control of the situation, it's continuing, and we need to stamp down on it," he said, referencing a similar incident earlier this year where an American tourist shared a video of herself snatching a baby wombat from its mother. Another crocodile advocate Paul Bowen, who runs the emerging Croc Conscious social media accounts, warned that the juvenile crocodile seen in the video would have been 'very stressed' by the encounter, leading to a build-up of lactic acid, which in extreme scenarios can be deadly. The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation was not able to confirm or deny to Yahoo News if Macaulay has a permit in the state. A spokesperson told Yahoo News that there is a maximum penalty of $6,674 for disturbing dangerous animals in the wild. "People should keep a safe distance away from native animals they see in the wild," the spokesperson said. "Not only is this dangerous for the person, interacting with wild animals can habituate them." Without an exact location for the incident, an investigation cannot be launched. Macaulay now appears to be back in Canada. 🐍 Influencers facing $464,400 fines for copying Steve Irwin photo 'trend' 🐊 Disturbing video of wild crocodile stunt prompts warning 📸 Australia faces 'big problem' as US tourist who snatched baby wombat flees Ben Pearson, Country Director at World Animal Protection Australia said told Yahoo News "this is cruelty for the sake of content". "Aussies are quite rightly outraged by this video," he said, describing the influencer's actions as "unacceptable". "Crocodiles are not a photo prop or plaything, and they should be treated with respect," he said. It's not the first time a tourist has mishandled a native animal and shared it online. Earlier this year, American Sam Jones faced fierce criticism for taking a baby wombat away from its mother along a country road. The 34-second clip, which was quickly deleted, saw the woman gleefully running back to her car holding the animal. 'Just caught a baby wombat,' her laughing male Australian colleague can be heard saying from behind the camera. 'Look at the mother, chasing after her.' But the incident exposed a "big problem" when it comes to enforcing the law when influencers exploit the nation's wildlife for clicks and likes. "There aren't enough people on the ground to be able to deal with the amount of incidents that are coming forward now with the rise of social media," managing lawyer from Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Kirstiana Ward told Yahoo News at the time. In Australia, the federal government is only responsible for prosecuting companies or people that 'significantly' harm threatened species. Otherwise, enforcing wildlife laws is left up to the states and territories. So if it's unclear where an influencer shot their video, even if they clearly committed an offence, a prosecution is rarely possible. Yahoo News has contacted Colton Macaulay for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Anger erupts after Canadian tourist's 'distressing' stunt with juvenile crocodile
A Canadian tourist is copping fierce backlash after he handled a "very distressed" juvenile freshwater crocodile in rural Australia. The incident, posted online by Colton Macaulay, shows the social media influencer standing topless as he pulls a small freshwater crocodile from the water with his bare hands. "Hey guys, I'm in Australia right now and we just yoinked a freshwater croc," he says in the video, which has since been taken down. The crocodile is seen thrashing about as it's pulled from the water. He then holds the reptile to the camera, keeping it in place by holding it by the neck. "I don't think he was happy about it because he started making these sounds like a chainsaw. Or maybe that's the sound they make when they decide to cry like a little b***h." While it's unclear if the video was taken in Queensland, Northern Territory or northern Western Australia, one conservationist told Yahoo News he is calling on all levels of government to "step up" and take action on the issue. Matt Cornish, co-founder of Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), is among those to criticise the influencer's dangerous actions and described the vision as "disgusting" and "deplorable". "If we have someone, regardless of which country they are from, abusing our native wildlife, [authorities] need to step up and make an example of them," he told Yahoo News. The influencer claimed in his footage to be a "professional", however, Matt argues that without the correct permits, he is "nothing more than a social media idiot". Permits can be granted in Queensland and the Northern Territory to handle crocodiles in the wild, but they are rarely given out and typically restricted to zoos and government officials when required for research or public safety reasons. "Self-proclaimed professionals have no idea what they are doing, and they are obviously breaking the law by handling native wildlife without the right permits," he said. "We need all levels of government to step up and take control of the situation, it's continuing, and we need to stamp down on it," he said, referencing a similar incident earlier this year where an American tourist shared a video of herself snatching a baby wombat from its mother. Another crocodile advocate Paul Bowen, who runs the emerging Croc Conscious social media accounts, warned that the juvenile crocodile seen in the video would have been 'very stressed' by the encounter, leading to a build-up of lactic acid, which in extreme scenarios can be deadly. The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation was not able to confirm or deny to Yahoo News if Macaulay has a permit in the state. A spokesperson told Yahoo News that there is a maximum penalty of $6,674 for disturbing dangerous animals in the wild. "People should keep a safe distance away from native animals they see in the wild," the spokesperson said. "Not only is this dangerous for the person, interacting with wild animals can habituate them." Without an exact location for the incident, an investigation cannot be launched. Macaulay now appears to be back in Canada. 🐍 Influencers facing $464,400 fines for copying Steve Irwin photo 'trend' 🐊 Disturbing video of wild crocodile stunt prompts warning 📸 Australia faces 'big problem' as US tourist who snatched baby wombat flees Ben Pearson, Country Director at World Animal Protection Australia said told Yahoo News "this is cruelty for the sake of content". "Aussies are quite rightly outraged by this video," he said, describing the influencer's actions as "unacceptable". "Crocodiles are not a photo prop or plaything, and they should be treated with respect," he said. It's not the first time a tourist has mishandled a native animal and shared it online. Earlier this year, American Sam Jones faced fierce criticism for taking a baby wombat away from its mother along a country road. The 34-second clip, which was quickly deleted, saw the woman gleefully running back to her car holding the animal. 'Just caught a baby wombat,' her laughing male Australian colleague can be heard saying from behind the camera. 'Look at the mother, chasing after her.' But the incident exposed a "big problem" when it comes to enforcing the law when influencers exploit the nation's wildlife for clicks and likes. "There aren't enough people on the ground to be able to deal with the amount of incidents that are coming forward now with the rise of social media," managing lawyer from Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Kirstiana Ward told Yahoo News at the time. In Australia, the federal government is only responsible for prosecuting companies or people that 'significantly' harm threatened species. Otherwise, enforcing wildlife laws is left up to the states and territories. So if it's unclear where an influencer shot their video, even if they clearly committed an offence, a prosecution is rarely possible. Yahoo News has contacted Colton Macaulay for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Anger erupts after Canadian tourist's 'distressing' act with juvenile crocodile
A Canadian tourist is copping fierce backlash after he handled a "very distressed" juvenile freshwater crocodile in rural Australia. The incident, posted online by Colton Macaulay, shows the social media influencer standing topless as he pulls a small freshwater crocodile from the water with his bare hands. "Hey guys, I'm in Australia right now and we just yoinked a freshwater croc," he says in the video, which has since been taken down. The crocodile is seen thrashing about as it's pulled from the water. He then holds the reptile to the camera, keeping it in place by holding it by the neck. "I don't think he was happy about it because he started making these sounds like a chainsaw. Or maybe that's the sound they make when they decide to cry like a little b***h." While it's unclear if the video was taken in Queensland, Northern Territory or northern Western Australia, one conservationist told Yahoo News he is calling on all levels of government to "step up" and take action on the issue. Matt Cornish, co-founder of Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), is among those to criticise the influencer's dangerous actions and described the vision as "disgusting" and "deplorable". "If we have someone, regardless of which country they are from, abusing our native wildlife, [authorities] need to step up and make an example of them," he told Yahoo News. The influencer claimed in his footage to be a "professional", however, Matt argues that without the correct permits, he is "nothing more than a social media idiot". Permits can be granted in Queensland and the Northern Territory to handle crocodiles in the wild, but they are rarely given out and typically restricted to zoos and government officials when required for research or public safety reasons. "Self-proclaimed professionals have no idea what they are doing, and they are obviously breaking the law by handling native wildlife without the right permits," he said. "We need all levels of government to step up and take control of the situation, it's continuing, and we need to stamp down on it," he said, referencing a similar incident earlier this year where an American tourist shared a video of herself snatching a baby wombat from its mother. Another crocodile advocate Paul Bowen, who runs the emerging Croc Conscious social media accounts, warned that the juvenile crocodile seen in the video would have been 'very stressed' by the encounter, leading to a build-up of lactic acid, which in extreme scenarios can be deadly. The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation was not able to confirm or deny to Yahoo News if Macaulay has a permit in the state. A spokesperson told Yahoo News that there is a maximum penalty of $6,674 for disturbing dangerous animals in the wild. "People should keep a safe distance away from native animals they see in the wild," the spokesperson said. "Not only is this dangerous for the person, interacting with wild animals can habituate them." Without an exact location for the incident, an investigation cannot be launched. Macaulay now appears to be back in Canada. 🐍 Influencers facing $464,400 fines for copying Steve Irwin photo 'trend' 🐊 Disturbing video of wild crocodile stunt prompts warning 📸 Australia faces 'big problem' as US tourist who snatched baby wombat flees Ben Pearson, Country Director at World Animal Protection Australia said told Yahoo News "this is cruelty for the sake of content". "Aussies are quite rightly outraged by this video," he said, describing the influencer's actions as "unacceptable". "Crocodiles are not a photo prop or plaything, and they should be treated with respect," he said. It's not the first time a tourist has mishandled a native animal and shared it online. Earlier this year, American Sam Jones faced fierce criticism for taking a baby wombat away from its mother along a country road. The 34-second clip, which was quickly deleted, saw the woman gleefully running back to her car holding the animal. 'Just caught a baby wombat,' her laughing male Australian colleague can be heard saying from behind the camera. 'Look at the mother, chasing after her.' But the incident exposed a "big problem" when it comes to enforcing the law when influencers exploit the nation's wildlife for clicks and likes. "There aren't enough people on the ground to be able to deal with the amount of incidents that are coming forward now with the rise of social media," managing lawyer from Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Kirstiana Ward told Yahoo News at the time. In Australia, the federal government is only responsible for prosecuting companies or people that 'significantly' harm threatened species. Otherwise, enforcing wildlife laws is left up to the states and territories. So if it's unclear where an influencer shot their video, even if they clearly committed an offence, a prosecution is rarely possible. Yahoo News has contacted Colton Macaulay for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
ABC News
26-06-2025
- ABC News
Reckless crocodile interactions spark calls for tougher penalties
A popular croc-spotting site in Far North Queensland will be monitored after multiple reports of "reckless" interactions with the reptiles. The Russell River at Babinda, 40 minutes from Cairns, is home to many crocodiles including a 4.5-metre reptile affectionately known by locals as Clyde. Last week footage of two men taunting Clyde on the riverbank was reported to authorities. In 2024 an influencer was charged after feeding him a rotisserie chicken. This week the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) installed signs on the riverbank warning that the area was being monitored for illegal crocodile feeding. "Feeding crocodiles – intentional or not – teaches them to associate humans with food and puts subsequent visitors to the area at risk of attack," the sign said. Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC) co-founder Matt Cornish said he had spent "months" pushing the department to take action. "We need to make sure we do police the area properly and prosecutions commence against people recklessly interacting with crocodiles," he said. Mr Cornish has called for the installation of CCTV and full-time rangers in the area, harsher penalties and timely prosecution for those breaking the law. Under state legislation anyone found to be feeding or deliberately disturbing crocodiles could be fined more than $26,000. A crocodile that attacks a human will be removed or culled. Gunggandji man and traditional owner Warren Martens feared human behaviour in the area could be detrimental to Clyde. "It'll be another death in our family if Clyde is removed or euthanised," Mr Martens said. He said permanent signage explaining the significance of crocodiles in Aboriginal culture should be installed. Aside from being a Babinda local for decades, Clyde was also "like family" for the coastal Aboriginal peoples whose totem was the crocodile, Mr Martens said. The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan and does not specifically provide for Indigenous consultation. Mr Martens said more Aboriginal voices were needed and that First Nations people should patrol the area. "Aboriginal people need to be part of that solution … the government needs to have consultation around Clyde and his future existence around human activity," he said. A DETSI spokesperson said "covert and overt" monitoring methods were being used after "reports of people behaving inappropriately". The department did not confirm if the sign would be permanent. Anyone with information about crocodile-related offences can call 1300 130 372.
Zawya
31-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HGC and CAHK Jointly Organize the "ICT Open Day" for 2025 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Hong Kong
Encouraging students to leverage innovative technologies to enhance social equality Continuing the mission of nurturing ICT talent HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 31 March 2025 - HGC Global Communications ("HGC" or "the Group"), a fully-fledged ICT service provider and network operator with extensive global coverage, has once again co-organized the "ICT Open Day" with Communications Association of Hong Kong (CAHK). Held last Saturday (29 March), the event opened up the 24x7 Cybersecurity Research and Operations Center (CROC) located in Cyberport to 34 secondary school students and teachers, allowing them to witness firsthand the applications and practices of advanced cybersecurity solutions that were showcased. The event also allowed the Group to continue honoring its commitment to nurturing the next generation of ICT talent by offering career talks and one-on-one counseling. Consequently, the students gained greater clarity in education and career opportunities, enabling them to better prepare for setting their personal goals. HGC has fully championed this year's "ICT Open Day" theme — "Enhance Equality in Our Society with AI in Communications". Its cybersecurity team welcomed the students and teachers from Po Leung Kuk Yao Ling Sun College, S.K.H. Chan Young Secondary School, and Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School, gave them an in-depth tour of CROC. Moreover, the team helped the visitors explore the application of AI in cybersecurity solutions. During the visit, the cybersecurity experts demonstrated the Center's most advanced protection technology — "Fusion Armor" monitoring system, highlighting its powerful features, which include attack simulations, vulnerability scanning, AI-driven threat detection, incident response plan reviews, and dark web monitoring. This experience helped the students understand the importance of AI in creating a cybersecure environment that fosters equality and inclusivity in society. By learning about the various operational and functions of the CROC, the students have not only gained insights into how innovative technologies can promote social equality, but also are more aware of the need to promote social responsibility and equity with the application of innovation and technology. With the rapid development of innovative technologies, ICT professionals are playing an important role in solidifying Hong Kong's status as a global ICT hub, and therefore HGC has remained committed to nurturing ICT talent. HGC firmly believes in the power of future innovators and thus the Group's human resources representatives shared insights into the ICT industry ecosystem, employment guidelines, and career opportunities, explaining the possibilities within the ICT field from various aspects at the "ICT Open Day". They also offered professional, practical, and specific advice; conducting one-on-one consultations, answering questions about further studies, resume writing, interview tips, and more – helping the students establish a solid foundation for pursuing their career goals. Daniel Ho, Vice President - Unified Cyber Security and Digital Transformation Solutions at HGC, said, "HGC is delighted to participate once again in 'ICT Open Day' as this meaningful event allows us to engage with future elites. Through this gathering, we are able to showcase the Group's capabilities as a leading telecommunications operator and fully-fledged ICT service provider, while at the same time helping students understand how to leverage emerging innovative technologies to promote positive societal development. For example, our 'Fusion Armor' monitoring system at the CROC has been upgraded to the highest security standards, ensuring 24x7 cybersecurity protection for enterprises. HGC is committed to nurturing local ICT talent and hopes that with our expertise, industry familiarity, and unique insights, we can effectively navigate future developmental trends in this field, making Hong Kong an international ICT hub for emerging talent." The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Hong Kong is organized by CAHK. The "ICT Open Day" is one of its key events, and is aimed at raising awareness and interest in ICT among the youth and academic communities. Hashtag: #HGC The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About HGC Global Communications Limited HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 20 global offices and staff presence in 33 cities worldwide. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate, SME and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. In 2019, HGC Group completed the acquisition of Macroview Telecom Limited (Macroview), a leading digital technology solution and managed services provider. The addition of Macroview further accelerates HGC Group's digital transformation path and positioning as a pioneering ICT and digital services leader. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, transport, social infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. To learn more, please visit HGC's website at: HGC Global Communications
