Queensland (Australia) state's Families Minister called for unedited tapes of the incident, which took place at a zoo, and officials from the state's workplace safety authority said they would also be investigating. Under workplace safety laws, unauthorized people cannot enter a crocodile enclosure that is part of a public display.

Irwin defended his actions, saying his tot was never in danger. The infant's mother, who handed the baby over to Irwin in the enclosure and giggled at the spectacle, agreed.

"It was a wonderful sensory experience for him (the baby). He dug it," she said.