Croc man Steve Irwin wrestles cuddly toy

Aussie wildlife hunter Steve Irwin got to grips with a crocodile at London Zoo today - but had to settle for a stuffed toy rather than the real thing.

He is famous for grappling with some of the world’s most dangerous creatures and the zoo seemed the perfect location to show off his skills.

But London Zoo does not have a single crocodile and the other animals were strictly off limits, so Irwin made do with the cuddly toy.

The Aussie adventurer was in London to promote his big screen debut in The Crocodile Hunter, which opens later this month.

The comedy caper sees Irwin mistaken for a secret agent when he saves a crocodile which has swallowed a spy satellite.

Joining him at the zoo were wife Terri and four-year-old daughter Bindi-Sue, who is already following in her famous father’s footsteps.

Irwin said: ‘‘She’s been bitten by snakes twice - once on the nose and once on the lip. But it hasn’t put her off one bit, she still loves them.’’

The star’s animal antics have made him a household name and millions of TV viewers tune in to see him confront deadly snakes and wrestle giant crocs.

Despite the dangers involved, Irwin said he is totally fearless when it comes to the wild.

He said: ‘‘I was born into wildlife. I’ve seen enormous snakes and sharks and crocs and I’m not scared at all because I know what I’m doing. It’s exactly the same as an electrician knowing how to do his job.’’