Instagram Model Fined $26K for Feeding Whole Chicken to Crocodile

An Instagram influencer may incur penalties as high as $26,000 after unknowingly violating Australian law by offering an entire rotisserie chicken to a crocodile.

In a now-removed social media post, model Jayli Bonow fed a whole chicken to a crocodile in an incident that has attracted considerable media attention.

While seated by a riverbank in North Queensland, Australia, Bonow took the opportunity to feed a crocodile known as “Clyde.” Anticipating criticism, she had advised her followers to “shut your f**king holes up” beforehand.

Following her video going viral, Australia’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) launched an investigation into her actions. A spokesperson for DESI remarked, “Feeding crocodiles intentionally creates significant risks to other visitors and raises the likelihood of an attack.”

“That is why fines have been recently increased for actions that jeopardize lives… [and] it is completely reckless to depict, endorse, or encourage feeding them,” the spokesperson stated.

Bonow now risks facing a fine around $26,000, since the maximum penalty for feeding crocodiles in Queensland recently escalated from $6,452 to $25,615 in September.

The model later expressed remorse on Instagram, admitting she felt foolish for being uninformed about the laws.

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A post shared by Jaylie Tori (@jaylietori)

“Feeding saltwater crocodiles is clearly dangerous, and I was unaware that this practice is illegal in Australia. I aim to raise awareness on this issue, as I was quite uninformed,” she shared.

“I have learned that feeding crocodiles disrupts their behavior, which is harmful both to them and to public safety,” she continued.

Bonow also mentioned that she is prepared to face the repercussions of her actions, acknowledging her mistake.

After her sincere apology, many viewers commended Bonow for her honesty and for helping to educate others about local regulations.

“Kudos for sharing the lesson!” one commenter noted.

“Thank you for taking responsibility and turning this into a lesson on how to interact with native wildlife,” another user remarked.

It remains unclear whether Bonow will encounter any criminal prosecution, though she was not arrested in connection with the incident and may only face a financial penalty.

In a separate occurrence, another Instagram influencer received backlash in April after orchestrating what some termed “the most polluted gender reveal ever.”

In announcing she would have a boy, Inga Stumbriene had three planes fly overhead. Despite mixed reactions from viewers, Stumbriene stated that she was relishing the “joy and peace” of her growing family at home.

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