Conservationist Robert Irwin has named a 12-foot-6-inch saltwater crocodile "Prince William" as part of a significant research project at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Queensland, Australia. The reptile is the 300th crocodile to be tagged as part of a groundbreaking study aimed at understanding and conserving the species.
Irwin, 22, announced the naming on Instagram, referring to the crocodile as "this big boy right here." He explained that the designation is in "gratitude and recognition for the incredible conservation work from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales."
The crocodile, fitted with a small tracker using techniques developed by Irwin's late father, Steve Irwin, will be monitored for ten years. The data collected will provide insights into its diet, diving capabilities, and the impact of climate change on its body temperature, contributing to conservation efforts for the species and its ecosystem.
Robert Irwin, who manages Australia Zoo, is an ambassador for Prince William's Earthshot Prize, an environmental competition focused on finding solutions to global environmental challenges. Irwin and the Prince of Wales developed a friendship after meeting in South Africa in November 2024. They last appeared together in June at London Climate Action Week, traveling on a zero-emission double-decker bus, the 3,000th to join the Transport for London fleet.