Popular wildlife influencer Mike Holston, known online as 'the Real Tarzann', has been hospitalised following a serious skydiving accident. The social media star, with over 16 million Instagram followers, shared the news directly from his hospital bed on Saturday 27 December 2025.
Details of the Accident and Hospital Recovery
Holston posted a photograph showing him lying on a gurney, his right leg bandaged and his neck in a supportive brace. In the accompanying caption, he wrote: "Yesterday I had a Skydiving accident I'll probably be out for a few weeks!" He admitted to being "pretty banged up" and in significant pain, but expressed relief at being alive.
He provided further, candid details through a series of Instagram Stories. In one video, he described the severity of his initial condition, stating he was "f***ed up for like three hours" and struggled to breathe due to intense chest pain. However, in a later update, he struck a more positive tone for his fans, saying "Gettin' there. Getting better" and thanking them for their support during the holiday period.
A Controversial Figure in Wildlife Content
Mike Holston's platform is built on videos featuring close interactions with various animals, including reptiles and primates, often with a message of wildlife conservation. However, his methods have previously drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare experts.
In September 2025, he faced significant backlash for a video in which he chased and wrestled a freshwater crocodile in Australia. The act was condemned by the advocacy group Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), which stated his behaviour was "distressing for the animal" and set a dangerous precedent.
Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin, was particularly scathing. He argued that individuals like Holston, who interfere with protected fauna without proper permits or expertise, should be "booted out the door." Irwin emphasised that handling crocodiles is a specialised skill to avoid causing dangerous stress to the animal, something he believed Holston lacked. Holston later clarified the crocodile was released unharmed after the encounter.
Looking Forward
Despite the controversy surrounding some of his work, Holston's recent accident has shifted focus to his personal recovery. He reassured his vast online following that there was "nothing to worry about", characterising the incident as "just another rough day in the office." His message concluded with a hopeful note that he would see his supporters again soon, as he continues to recuperate from his injuries.
