A croc launches itself at a presenter at Australia Zoo's Crocoseum during one of the zoo's famous animal demonstrations.

During these presentations daring presenters provided food at close range, just as Steve Irwin did, to show guests their stalk-and-ambush style of hunting. Crocs would hide in the clear water, slowly moving toward the shore without disturbing the surface before launching themselves frighteningly at the food provided. They were also encouraged to leap up out of the water to snap food dangled above the surface. As Steve would have wanted it, the crocodiles were the stars of the show and there was an ever-present focus on understanding, respecting and appreciating these apex predators, unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.

Each presentation concluding with the same inspiring messages that Steve emphasized in his wildlife documentaries; in particular, that it is up to us to protect these animals and ensure that this rock called Earth remains a living planet where all life can be supported.

Read more about my adventure in Australia here!