The little fella had a strong grip. Photo / Matt Wright
The little fella had a strong grip. Photo / Matt Wright
It's a scene you'd probably only see Downunder – a 2-year-old boy wrestling with a two-metre python as his dad stands by and encourages him.
Matt Wright, who runs the Top End Safari camp in Australia's Northern Territory, posted a video of his 2-year-old son Banjo grappling with an olivepython's tail, one of the largest snakes in Australia.
Wright, who also hosts the wildly popular National Geographic show Outback Wrangler, captioned the video of his burgeoning wildlife warrior "learning the ropes".
In the video, Banjo, dressed in his outback khakis, can be seen desperately trying to pull the olive python away from the family's property.
"Pull him out buddy, pull him out," Wright said, as Banjo holds onto the snake's tail.
The video was praised by plenty, with many comparing Wright's relationship with Banjo to the late Steve Irwin's relationship with Bindi.
Bindi, who now runs Australia Zoo with her brother Robert and mum Terri, was often taken out on wildlife expeditions with her dad, even when she was a toddler.
Australian racing driver David Reynolds praised Banjo for his bravery.
However, the wild clip wasn't received as well by some.
"Normally I love your videos but I'm not a fan of this behaviour. No need to stress the animal just for an Instagram video," one wrote.
"In America they would call child services lol," another added.
"Next week: kid playing in backyard on their own sees a red belly black, runs over and grabs it on the tail. Kid bitten. This child is not old enough to make an accurate assessments on what snakes are safe and what are not. Heck most adults can't," a third said.
The Wright family is regularly adventuring across the Northern Territory, using their helicopter to explore untouched parts of Australia.
Banjo is also a budding adventurer and appears to have developed the same affinity for animals as his dad.