Model fed a whole chicken to a crocodile and will now pay $26,000 (3 photos)
Jaylee Bonow was sitting on the bank of a river in North Queensland, Australia, when she decided to feed a crocodile named Clyde. The model threw a whole roast chicken to the predator. She shared the footage on her page and attracted the attention of not only her followers, but also the Australian Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI).
"Feeding crocodiles can pose a serious danger to other visitors and significantly increase the risk of attacks," a DESI spokesman said. "That is why fines for actions that endanger human life have recently been increased. And behavior that depicts, promotes or encourages people to feed these animals is completely irresponsible."
The fine for feeding crocodiles in Queensland was increased in September from $6,452 to $25,615. So Bonow will be paying a pretty penny. She has since deleted her post and apologised, saying she felt like an idiot for not being aware of the laws.
"It was reckless," she said. "And I didn't know it was illegal to feed crocodiles in Australia. That's why I want to raise awareness, because I was ignorant. Now I know that feeding crocodiles is bad for them and for public safety because it changes their behaviour."
The girl admitted that she made a mistake and is ready to take responsibility for it. She was not arrested for the illegal act and, most likely, she will get off with just a fine.