Influencer apologises for feeding Far North croc a “hot chook”

A social media influencer who bragged about feeding a four-metre crocodile south of Cairns faces a fine of more than $26,000 with a fired-up Far North MP labelling her actions “stupid” and dangerous. Watch the video.

A social media influencer who bragged about feeding a four-metre crocodile south of Cairns faces a fine of more than $26,000 with a fired-up Far North MP labelling her actions as “stupid” and dangerous.

Jayli Bonow, who goes by Jaylie Tori online, has been documenting her journey through the region for around a week, posting footage and images of herself in swimsuits at various well-known locations.

Jaylie Tori has drawn the attention of authorities after claiming to feed a Far North crocodile in a recent social media video.

But a since deleted video Ms Bonow posted of herself where she boasted that she had just fed a deadly salty while sitting on banks of the Russell River near Babinda has drawn outrage from both her more than 76,000 Instagram followers and authorities.

“I’m in Far North Queensland at the moment and I thought it’d be a good idea to get a whole chook and feed it to one of the crocs,” the influencer said in the 46-second post.

“There are some big salties up here and he is absolutely lovin’ it. Rest assured I have stayed away from the bank.”

Ms Bonow then turned her phone towards the apex predator, known to locals as Clyde, heaping him with praise.

“Have a look at him,” she said. “He is just feeding on that chook and absolutely lovin’ it.”

The West Australian-based influencer told her fans she had taken the appropriate precautions before feeding the wild animal.

“I know there are going to be some heroes who come on here and go, ‘You can’t go anywhere near the crocodile!’” Ms Bonow said.

“Well, I didn’t go anywhere near it and I stayed well away from the banks so shut your f***ing holes up.”

The Department of Environment Science and Innovation has confirmed it is investigating a recent social media post from influencer, Jaylie Tori.

Ms Bonow’s content has since drawn the attention of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) who confirmed on Friday that they are investigating the video.

Last month, the maximum court-imposed fine for deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles increased from $6,452 to $26,615.

“Deliberately feeding crocodiles can pose a huge risk to other visitors and increase the chances of an attack,” a DESI spokesman said.

“That is why penalties were recently increased for unlawful behaviour that places lives at risk.

“It is illegal to feed estuarine crocodiles in Queensland and behaviour that portrays, promotes or encourages people to feed them is totally irresponsible.”

A photo of a crocodile near Babinda, known as Clyde, taken last year. Photo: Facebook

Angered Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford said Ms Bonow’s actions almost defied belief.

“Feeding crocs is not only stupid but illegal and the fines are in the thousands, even pretending or purporting to do it sends a stupid message to others,” he said.

“As Far Northerners, irrespective of people’s opinions on crocs, everyone would agree that feeding them changes their behaviour and will make them hang around closer, stalk the area and wait for humans.

“People with influence should be using their audience to spread common sense.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford says feeding crocs in the wild is “stupid”. Picture: Brendan Radke

On Thursday, Ms Bonow posted an apology on her Facebook page but maintained that she had kept a safe distance from the reptile.

“So, yesterday I thought it would be a good idea to feed a saltwater crocodile,” she said.

“I went to the local shop, bought a hot chook and took it down to the creek. Now, this is stupid in any case for the obvious reasons that it is so dangerous to feed saltwater crocs.

“I remained a fair way away from this crocodile and I fed it from a very steep bank (but that’s) completely beside the point.

“I also didn’t realise that feeding crocodiles in Australia is illegal and that is why I want to bring awareness to the subject.”

The influencer said she hoped others could learn from her experience.

“Simply because I was so uneducated yesterday and had no idea that feeding crocodiles was illegal,” she said.

“But since then I have educated myself and now I know that feeding the crocs is detrimental to them and the public safety because it changes the behaviour of the crocs.

“Had I known that yesterday I wouldn’t have made the silly mistake. I probably shouldn’t have gone near the friggin’ thing anyway because they are dangerous, aren’t they?”

Crocodiles have a highly developed sense of smell, allowing them to detect prey or animal carcasses on the land and in the water from long distances.

In August, Newcastle doctor David Hogbin was killed by a crocodile after falling into the Annan River near Cooktown.

Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of crocodiles is encouraged to call DESI on 1300 130 372.

Originally published as Influencer apologises for feeding Far North croc a “hot chook”