Theunicornhunter 2 Posted July 18, 2004 Apparently Greenpeace believes he got too close to wildlife. Croc Hunter Cleared of WrongdoingAFP July 16, 2004 — Celebrity crocodile hunter Steve Irwin has been cleared of breaching wildlife protection rules while making a documentary in Antarctica, Australian Prime Minister John Howard announced Thursday. Authorities launched an investigation into the self-proclaimed wildlife warrior following reports he moved too close to whales, seals and penguins while filming a show in the pristine southern continent this year. "I have been told that after a proper examination a decision has been taken that no action of any kind is necessary," Howard told Sky Television. Visit the Animal Planet News Archives for stories you may have missed. The government was quick to act on the allegations following another uproar that erupted after Irwin was filmed hand-feeding a deadly saltwater crocodile while holding his four-week-old son in his arms. The footage caused outrage across Australia and in the United States where Irwin's wildlife shows and a movie featuring him wrestling crocodiles and handling angry snakes has garnered him celebrity status. Irwin defended his actions at the zoo, saying he was in complete control and it was part of responsible training for his children who live there with him and wife Terri. He also strongly denied breaking wildlife protection rules in Antarctica, saying he had permission for the filming and that Australian environmental authorities had seen the footage and had approved it. The rules stipulate that visitors to Antarctica must stay at least five meters (16.5 feet) from seals and penguins, while swimming with whales is banned. Environmental watchdog Greenpeace has called on the government to release the 18 hours of unedited footage for independent assessment. "If Steve Irwin and the government want to make the case that there's nothing to answer, then the easiest way of doing that is releasing the tape," said the group's oceans campaigner, Quentin Hanich. "There are many scientists and environmental organizations around Australia that specialize in whale watching and there are great sustainable whale watching organizations in Australia that have a lot of expertise in the matter. Show the tape and they'll comment," he said. Howard rejected suggestions his government had been soft on Irwin because of his celebrity status. "That is an absurd thing to say," he said. "The matter was examined properly and that was the conclusion." I watched some program about someone being attacked by a whale and then after being rescued being arrested for swimming too close - I think that was in the US Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sea trooper 0 Posted July 20, 2004 Foolish humans. Steve provides entertainment and education. Laws cannot hold back curiosity and nature. Leave Steve alone! :blink: I'm tired of foolish laws. Creatures have lived on this earth before human laws. They've done fine, except for extinction... But that's what nature intends. No matter how hard humans try, they cannot stop the forces of nature! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odie 0 Posted July 30, 2004 Steve Irwin likes to push the envolop in his filming. He helps people get a better understanding on wildlife. There are many organizations, Greenpeace included, can't be please with anything that is done with wildlife. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WEAREBORG4102 0 Posted July 30, 2004 Greenpeace doesn't understand that nothing is absolutely environment-friendly. They don't rule the world. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
