Croc Hunter Steve Irwin's stunt criticized

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QUEENSLAND, Australia, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter," was criticized and may face criminal charges for taking his 1-month-old son into a crocodile feeding pen in Australia.

Irwin, 41, is the subject of a public outcry following the New Year's Day show that Irwin billed as his son Bob's "croc-feeding debut."

"He's one month old, so it's about time Bob got out there and did his first croc demo," Irwin told the crowd, according to a report Friday on People.com.

Irwin fed a 12-1/2-foot-long crocodile with one arm while holding his son during the show at Irwin's Australia Zoo reptile park in Australia's Sunshine Coast.

The stunt has been likened to that by pop singer Michael Jackson, who dangled his infant son over a Berlin hotel balcony last year.

"It's neglect, it's reckless, it's a form of endangerment," Childhood Foundation chief Joe Tucci said of Irwin's actions, adding that the entertainer could face criminal charges if he continues to put his baby in harm's way.

The Sydney Herald Sun newspaper reported that Irwin faces possible investigation by Queensland police, the Department of Families and workplace safety officers.