I'm really surprised this story isn't getting more local press investigation/coverage. I suppose that I am not unusual in being in awe of Mr Richardson's ability to cavort with these massive predators. And I can't deny I have enjoyed the scenes of him playing with them. (The antics in a river were particularly endearing.)

But at the back of my mind is always the scientist saying: "This isn't right and it could easily end very badly". So when something like this happens I am very curious to know the details. Is the narrative of apex predators "tamed" by simpatico human a total con? Or was this genuinely a freak event? Or was it somewhere in the middle? Surely there are journos who want to know the answers to those questions?


In the past this operation struggled to get the funding required to keep going. Presumably now there will be no funding forthcoming and it is pretty much finished.