Row over crocodile centre named after Irwin

An Indian wildlife centre is embroiled in a legal row over the use of legendary crocodile hunter Steve Irwin’s name in its title, it was reported today.

The Steve Irwin Crocodile Research and Rehabilitation Centre in the south Indian state of Kerala is fighting a legal notice over using Mr Irwin’s name, Indian daily the Hindu said.

Terri Irwin, the widow of the wildlife expert, has raised objections to using her husband’s name citing intellectual property rights.

The notice to the Kerala wildlife department claimed that using Mr Irwin’s name without permission was against the law.

It also criticised the Kerala government for using Mr Irwin’s pictures to promote the centre.

A statue of the Australian was erected in front of the main gate of the park.

The notice warns of serious legal actions if the alleged misuse of Mr Irwin’s name and pictures was not stopped.

Chief conservator of forests K P Ouseph, who received the notice, said: “The report has been forwarded to the Advocate General (AG) of Kerala. A reply will be given to Terri (Irwin) after the AG’s findings.”

The park was inaugurated in 2007 and boasts it is the first memorial to Mr Irwin, who died after a stingray attack in September 2006 while filming a TV documentary under water.