Annals of Aussieness–Outback Parenting: Croc Hunter Steve Irwin has launched the New Year on a spectacular Wetass note, prompting howls of outrage and shock from the “Lock-Em up Until They Are 20” crowd, by taking his one-month old son to his first croc feeding. In an attempt to initiate baby Bob in the family trade (The Croc Hunter named his son Bob?…Bob? You’d think Irwin would come up with a more imaginative name, say “Gator,” or perhaps “T-Bone” (yes, Seinfeld fans, you got the reference)), Irwin held his tyke in one arm while feeding a 13-foot croc a chicken with the other. Imagine, cried the Oh-No Crowd, the baby was ONE METER from a crocodile’s mouth. “This kid has to grow up to be croc savvy,” a defiant Irwin shot back. Well, if it was Michael Jackson doing the dangling I’d worry about it. But Irwin has been around enough crocs to know what’s dangerous and what’s not. All the stunt really demonstrates is that the cautious grimacing and exaggerated care Irwin takes during his show is pretty much a put-on. I mean, when the kid’s own mother doesn’t object (she was right there), how dangerous can it really be?



“That’s it, Stevie-boy. Left hand, baby…right hand, chicken…left hand, baby…right-hand, chicken.”