Steve Irwin Launches Croc Assault on the Japanese Whaling Fleet

Crikey! And now for something completely different.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society always likes to inject a little humor into our campaigns and today we decided to do just that.

As a tribute to the late and legendary Steve Irwin for whom the Sea Shepherd flagship is named, the crew of the Steve Irwin delivered dozens of crocodile eggs onto the flensing deck of the Nisshin Maru.

Each of these eggs was sponsored by Sea Shepherd supporters on shore who paid $50 to inscribe a message on the outside of the egg. When these eggs make contact with water, a baby crocodile emerges from the egg and expands rapidly.

A few of the eggs were signed with messages from Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin.

“I cannot think of anything more appropriate for the Steve Irwin to toss onto the bloody flensing decks of the Nisshin Maru than crocodile eggs and baby crocs.” Said Captain Paul Watson.

Of course these baby crocs and their eggs are not real. We can just see the Japanese trying to accuse Sea Shepherd of cruelty to animals for this action and they probably will since they can’t seem to tell the difference between fact and fiction.

“Before his tragic death Steve wanted to join us in our efforts to defend the whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary,” said Captain Paul Watson. “Because of that, we asked Terri Irwin for permission to name our ship in his honour.”

The croc delivery went very well. Japanese water cannons provided the moisture to crack the eggs and to release the expanding crocs onto the deck of the Nisshin Maru.

“Steve would have loved this,” said 3rd Officer Vincent Hayes of Williamstown, Victoria.

So down here in the Southern Ocean today - Crocs rule!

We love you Steve!

photos credit: Barbara Veiga / Sea Shepherd