Influencer jumped in alligator enclosure for Steve Irwin-type social media stunt
A US influencer has been arrested after he trespassed into an alligator enclosure at a zoo in Florida for a social media video.
Jacob Pursifull was busted by cops a week after he shared a video of himself jumping into the alligator pit at Tampa's Busch Gardens.
The 20-year-old from Louisiana, US, was seen alongside his two friends, also pretended to be stuck in a fake roller coaster seat before he then stole a snack from a shop.
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He then headed over to the alligator exhibit and hopped over two fences that separate the general public from the deadly animals, which are reportedly up to 15 feet long and weigh around 1,000 pounds.
The lad took his camera over with him and began filming himself with the reptiles while doing a bad impression of beloved Australian zookeeper Steve Irwin – who was killed by a stingray in 2006.
He said: "Crikey, mate, this is insane, let’s get a closer look, shall we, just to see how it is…We have never been this close to the alligator, the crocodile, guys, crikey, look how big that bugger is.”
Multiple 'Do Not Enter' signs were visible in the video.
The clip has since prompted a response from Tampa Police, whose spokesperson said in a statement: "The video was then uploaded to social media sites.
"Following investigative leads based on the linked social media posts, investigators were able to positively identify and locate Pursifull.”
They added that “a probable cause warrant was issued for his arrest.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrest inquiry states that Jacob faces charges for burglary of an occupied structure, a second-degree felony, as well as two misdemeanours counts of trespassing and petit theft.
A spokesperson from the amusement park has thanked the police for arresting the lad.
Speaking to Fox 13, they said: "We are thankful to hear that the individuals involved in illegally entering one of our animal habitats recently have been arrested and are facing charges for their dangerous actions…
"The safety and well-being of our guests, ambassadors, and animals is a top priority, and we are very grateful to law enforcement, particularly the Tampa Police Department and their law enforcement partners, for their swift action.”
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