In the Belly of the Beast
February 12, 2007Dr. Brady Barr - National Geographic Reptile Expert
Have you ever felt like you were in the belly of the beast? Well I sure have, and I actually got to experience it on a recent expedition to Tanzania. I’m a scientist whose research involves capturing wild crocodiles, a very dangerous pursuit not only for me but also for the crocs. Subduing crocodiles is extremely stressful to the animal, so I am always looking for alternatives to this “hands-on” approach. Not long ago I was speaking to a group of children and explaining to them what I do and one small boy raised his hand and said, “Dr. Brady why don’t you dress up as a crocodile and just join their club?” I laughed and continued my lecture, yet couldn’t shake this crazy idea form the back of my mind. Could it actually work? There was only one way to find out.
I had the engineers at National Geographic build me an incredibly life-like crocodile disguise, for my venture into the reptilian world. The “croc suit” consisted of a protective metal cage covered by a Kevlar shield, and topped off with a life like latex cape. It really looked like a croc – and it better because the plan was for me to wear the suit and crawl up to a group of basking wild crocs, close enough to attach a scientific device to their backs! This is a procedure that normally requires me to rope a croc and then wrestle it in into submission. This was a bold and scary experiment.
A few months later on a stifling hot African day, I found myself in the country of Tanzania with a fellow scientist, a bunch of big wild crocs, and of course the “croc suit”. Today was the big day…deployment day. The temperature was well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as I started to contort my body into the tight confines of the suit. The thermometer I had mounted inside the suit read 120 degrees; I might cook in this oven if this procedure took too long. My heart raced as I thought about the large number of dangerous crocs a short distance away, as well as the gauntlet of hippos (Africa’s most dangerous animal) that I would have to navigate before I even got to the crocs. Once inside the suit a wave of claustrophobia and nausea gripped me. It was a very tight fit inside, and the apparatus was heavy at over 80 pounds. I was super nervous as the crew left me all alone, and I started my 60 meter crawl to the basking crocs.
An immediate concern was that I could only see straight ahead, I had no idea what dangers might be approaching from behind me. I was in radio contact with my crew but that seemed like little comfort. As I approached the first croc my heart was pounding, my mouth was dry and my body tense, yet my senses seemed razor sharp, keener than they had ever been before. 
I held my breath and inched closer, not knowing what to expect. The crocodile was now directly in front of me and had its gaze transfixed on me. I had never seen a croc from this vantage point, and boy did it look big. Seeing it on their level, the animal was simply beautiful in an awe inspiring primeval way. Within arms length the big croc just stared back at me, then calmly closed its eyes. Wow, a huge sigh of relief escaped my body, because this was a sure sign that the animal was comfortable with my presence. It was simply amazing that I was within three feet of a wild unrestrained croc and that it was accepting me as another croc. I got caught up in the special ness of the moment, realizing that I was doing something that had never been done before, when suddenly I was jolted back to the seriousness of the task at hand. My cameraman radioed to me that there was a large croc moving towards me from behind. Once again my heart raced and I held my breath expecting the worst, all the while wondering if my little croc suit could withstand an attack from a half ton reptilian giant. The seconds seemed like an eternity as I waited for the big croc. I could now hear his heavy feet and lumbering body as he got closer. The attack I feared never came; instead he saddled up beside me and lay down. He too was accepting me as just another croc. I definitely wanted to make history on this day, and not become history, so I quickly deployed my data logger onto the back of the croc in front of me and made a hasty retreat. As I crawled away I was lost in the euphoria of my successful experiment. On this day I literally became a crocodile, the animal I have dedicated my career to studying.
Comments (50)
I enjoyed the article very much.
Posted by Marlo Arocha | February 13, 2007 2:40 AM
A not-to-forget experience written with such subtle humour. Kudos, Dr. Brady Barr
Posted by usha | February 15, 2007 9:38 AM
This is the funniest thing I have read in years. As a high school physics teacher I deal with immature teenagers on a daily basis, and have yet to come across anything so stupid.
Posted by Ms. Mary Barth | March 19, 2007 9:03 AM
I can't believe someone would come up with such a Scooby Doo plot. This was the stupidest thing anyone has ever done. Ever.
Posted by charlotte | March 26, 2007 11:31 AM
5/04/07 Nightline comments:
Dear DR. (since you seem to love to hear your title so often that you even resort to speaking in the third person format when referring to yourself as such) Barr: You chose Nightline to air your comments regarding Steve Erwin in a negative, pompous and degrading manner. You SHOULD be ashamed of yourself...although I doubt that "shame" is in your persona. You took a shot at a BELOVED man, something that your three degrees will never "earn" you. Erwin WAS a scientist in the best light and meaning of the word. He radiated care and compassion...for ALL living creatures...whereas YOUR disrespectful, arrogance and flippant manner sheds light on what kind of man YOU truly are.
Anyone can put on a "disguise" and flop around in the mud and "pretend" to be a crocodile. Actually, you are not too far of the old beaten path as your arrogant mannerisms DOES ingratiate yourself into the reptillian underworld.
Steve Erwin was NOT "just a zoo keeper or an entertainer"...he was what you will NEVER be (regardless if you plaster each room of your house with your "precious degrees")as HE was a world-reknowned CONSERVATIONIST, a TEACHER to the entire world that shed light upon the plight of not only aniamls and endangered spiecies but also of an environmental crisis of an ever-escalating manner. He did more in his too short of a life than you will do if you live to be 100 years old. In closing, I cannot recall such a "mean-spirited" and downright jealous tirate garnered toward a beloved deceased individual. How you sleep at night is beyond the scope of my comprehension but then, perhaps all those degrees and books help to keep you both company and warm not to mention feed your ever-growing ego. You OWE an apology not only to Erwin's widow and family but to his MILLIONS of fans and those who have, by Erwin's EXAMPLE have chosen to keep his conservationism alive and moving forward and are NOT "just rolling around in the mud in a croc suit."
Oh.....Erwin was to be granted a Doctorate...although by your arrogant demeanor an "Honorary Doctorate" probably does not meet your high standards....but take a closer examination of the word "Honorary" and remember what HONOR truly exemplfies. P. Nelson
Posted by Dr. Patricia L Nelson, Ph.D. (Psychology&Philosophy) | May 5, 2007 1:00 AM
This is great.
Posted by Donavan | June 1, 2007 11:27 AM
Watched you show on exploring Aardvark Dens. Encountering that South African Cobra in such tight quaters was extremely dangerous. Made for a great show but I think you would be wise using one mobile remote control toys the US military uses to explore on recon missions! Otherwise we're going to be reading about you the same way we heard about the late Steve Erwin.
Posted by Mike | June 3, 2007 3:06 PM
Good article and good technique. The concept was pioneered by Dr. Tony Bubenik in his groundbreaking moose studies in Alaska, Sweden and Canada in the late 70's. He wore a mock moosehead and antlers and walked among bull moose who never seemed to notice that the new moose didn't have a back end.
dm
Posted by Don Morberg | June 11, 2007 6:38 PM
I hope next time he gets mistaken for a female croc!
Posted by atchafalaya | June 11, 2007 10:18 PM
Dr. patricia
you obviously can't be that bothered about steve Irwin as you can't even spell his name right. (some doctor)
i think the disguise is a great idea!!
Posted by bob | June 17, 2007 2:19 PM
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Posted by traspoolkae | June 23, 2007 1:43 AM
Quirky technique, but it was evidently successful... good job. I've been interested in your work since I started watching Croc files as a kid - great way to get younger people interested in herpetology.
Also, am I the only one who finds it hard to respect the credibility of someone who waxes lyrical about the career and virtues of the late Steve Irwin, yet is incapable of spelling his surname correctly? I'm not disputing he was a great guy and conservationist, but attacking Brady is hardly a way to show respect for Steve either. Lookin' at you, "Dr. Patricia Nelson".
- Amy (Sydney, AUS)
Posted by Amy | July 1, 2007 9:53 AM
Dr. Patricia L Nelson, Ph.D is out of her mind.
I have known Dr. Brady Barr for years. He is in every sense a world class scientist. His knowledge of animals and their environments is without equal. He doesn’t simply read a script written by some producer. He knows his subjects from a scientific perspective and is the very best at conveying his knowledge to the viewers in a format that is exciting and interesting and thought provoking.
To say that ‘anyone can put on a “disguise” and flop around in the mud and “pretend” to be a crocodile” is absolutely ridiculous. Clearly you have no idea of the massive strength and killing ability of these apex predators. To be able to get so close and to be able to put a scientific tracking devise on a crocodile while not disturbing it is truly death defying act. It also has great scientific value, because the animal does not have to be caught, restrained and released.
And no, an honorary degree does NOT count. Have you ever considered have an operation by a physician granted an honorary doctorate, or did you require that you primary care physician actually HAVE a degree to practice medicine! I think we both know the answer…
Posted by Chris Rott | July 11, 2007 9:32 AM
Dr. Patricia L Nelson, Ph.D...is a hypocrite in every sense of the word. She criticized Brady Barr for putting his title when in fact she also posted her title on this page, why? so as for someone to notice her? Steve Irwin was a pioneer in TV animal adventures and I loved his shows as well. And his untimely death is not an unfamiliar thing for Dr. Brady
since they have the same line of work, so don't you think Brady Barr knows the danger he's facing in every adventure he goes to? huh? Dr. Patricia L Nelson, Ph.D? Just having the passion for animals and sharing that with us deserves a lot of respect. Keep it up Dr. Brady!!!!
Posted by Dianne Bartolabac | August 7, 2007 8:23 AM
The format of the episodes of his show is always the same: hunting down the biggest, heaviest, the largest, strongest, most venomous, most aggressive, most endangered monster-species, and then, pretending as if he's the hunted. And all of this, commented with his own disgusting voice.
Cheezy one-liners, idiotic manoeuvres, animals he's not familiar with (-->point?),...
I am now watching the episode with the laser-camera: desperately looking for a 18ft croc.
"he's starting to move, that's not a good sign!" --> No, you want to capture a dead creature. wt*?
what's the scientific use of this crap? I'll go and see fricking King Kong if I want to see the absolute biggest myth.
Posted by Cpt. Bebe | August 22, 2007 10:52 PM
Barr needs to start carrying a teddy bear with him on his "adventures"; everytime he gets scared, which is all the time, he start squealing like a nine year old schoolgirl....he is hilarious...
Posted by bill neumann | September 30, 2007 8:47 AM
(eyes rolling around & around)
so...now how do you get the datalogger back so you can download the data it logged?
Posted by Sven DIMilo | October 12, 2007 6:53 PM
I logged on here to see if I was the only one who couldn't tell if I was watching Brady Barr, or Man-vs-Wild. I agree with Cpt. Bebe, but even more with Bill Neumann! I cringe in embarassment every time I hear Dr. Brady squeeling from the python bite. Here's a PhD, seasoned herpetologist, who sounds like a little girl who just saw a mouse. BUT, the man obviously has no ego issues, or he never would have let that scene air unedited. (grin)
Posted by The Ol' Philosopher | October 14, 2007 11:10 PM
At least Brady Barr is human. He can admit when he is afraid. I'm pretty sure if you were bitten by a 12 foot python you would scream too.Seeing Brady Barr's fear and pain might keep some young person from doing something stupid. They might think twice before grabbing a dangerous animal. Pain and fear can be a good thing they have helped mankind survive. I respect Brady Barr for being truthful about his feelings.
Posted by kme | October 15, 2007 8:36 PM
A few years ago I was using a National Geographic Video in my science class at Herrin High School in southern Illinois. The program included Brady Barr and his wife Mei Len Sanchez and the fact that she worked at the Baltimore Aquarium. So, I looked up the website and sent a message to the general e-mail address. A few weeks later I received an e-mail from her thanking me for the correspondence and discussing with me that using the video's in class was something that she and Brady were very interested in doing. She also requested that I send her my address and she would ask Brady to send us some souvenir's. Needless to say he send us ALOT of pictures and a personal letter. I still show this to the students in class and as we add new Brady Barr video's we discuss how much we appreciate what he did for us. I am not only impressed with Brady as a Biologist but also as a person. That was a very kind gesture.
Thanks,
Bart Allen
Special Education Teacher
Herrin High School
Herrin, Ill
Posted by Bart Allen | October 16, 2007 10:39 AM
I AM ARGENTINA, I WANT TO KNOW WHERE IS DR BRADY BARR NOW? I LIKED TO WATCH CRHONICLES OF CROCODILES.
CAN YOU SEND ME HIS PERSONAL MAIL?
THANK FOR ALL, I APOLOGIZE FOR MY ENGLISH BUT I HOPE YOU CAN HELP.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IS THE BETTER IN CHANNEL!!!
Posted by silvia VIDAL | October 26, 2007 10:32 AM
Q) hi,
i wanna contact to dr brady barr to show him sum pic of crocodiles. i have sum crocodiles here in karachi pakistan and local ppl beleives tht thay r different from rest of the world. kindly gimmie his email address to mail him pics. or how to conatct him to maill him pics
kindly reply me through mailaing me at whoisdani@hotmail.com ?
Posted by danish anwer | October 29, 2007 4:17 PM
I have been watching Dr. Barr's shows for quite some time now and am not quite sure who was the crazier--Steve Irwin with his wild enthusiasm never wore the croc suit. Would like to know if Brady has ever worn it again. It frankly sounds too heavy and the premise too dangerous to do more than once!
Posted by Immortal Cougar | November 24, 2007 9:54 PM
Dr. Brady Barr is great. He spoke at my son's school last year. He was the best speaker we have ever had. He found a way to really capture the childrens attention...and teach them about science at the same time!
I hope he keeps doing what he is doing. Dr. Brady may be making a contribution to science, but he is really great at teaching the next generation about the many creatures around us.
Posted by Bill | November 27, 2007 8:25 AM
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Posted by tedcliree | December 18, 2007 1:11 PM
Brady Barr has all the charisma of a festering boil. Add that to the fact that he's a total hack and a knuckledragger. I'm amazed that anyone was deluded enough to put him on television.
Posted by Brady Barr is a total tool | December 21, 2007 8:57 AM
Dear brady i am big fan of yours and late steve(croc hunter). we have a problem in india in last 2-3 month almost 100 gharials(aligators) died in chambal mysteriously. officials have no clue. please save them as i know you are biggest lover of reptiles.
hope you will respond to this mail
Posted by alok | January 8, 2008 9:25 AM
Brady Barr is the BIGGEST idiot on National Geographic. Is it necessary for him to carry on the way he does - what is the constant shouting all about? How I wish Steve were still alive - he could give this DOCTOR a few lessons in the correct way to handle wild life without the need for being in line to win an oscar for his performance. At least Steve never hurt the animals he dealt with - Brady looks like he is killing them half the time. This guy irritates me and I usually change channel when he comes on. Where did he get his doctorate and must he continually remind us that he is a Doctor? Ja right, if he is a specialist in his field then I am too.
Posted by Caroline | January 9, 2008 6:40 AM
Brady Barr was my High School Biology Teacher in Indianapolis, IN. He was not there long. Was kind of wondering what happened to him. Now I know. Glad to see him on TV. He was an awsome teacher when I had him.
Posted by Scott | January 23, 2008 8:49 PM
stealth hockey sticks
Posted by floor hockey sticks | February 9, 2008 10:15 PM
Hello Br Barr
I am a BBA graduate from Bangladesh. Would you kindly contact me at my email johnymaung@gmail.com?
Posted by Johny | February 15, 2008 9:21 AM
I can think of a number of better/safer(for the animal atleast)ways to capture and release animals for scientific and conservation purposes. But lets face it -none of my ideas make for good exciting television. So any consevationist/zookeeper or scientist with a pedigree that employs these TV "Gang tackle and terrorize the poor creature" tactics has no professional credibilty in my book unless "reality tv host" is the credit their looking for. Killing the animals first would be more humane in some cases. -but I have to admit, Dr Barr getting bit in the cave drenched in bat guano was a stroke of entertainment genius -I mean everyone's rooting for snake right?
So I guess as long as the snake/crocodile can lay out a fantastic wound on its would be animal molesting captors then I guess everybody wins. Great TV, Big bucks for the Network, Tv host gets what he/she deserves by not employing better methods and the animals get some pride back. Keep up the great work!!
Posted by Brian | February 24, 2008 12:38 AM
Caroline, I have watched about every show with Brady Barr and find him fascinating. He is tops in his field and has been doing this type of research for more than 20 years. I have yet to see where he looks like he is killing the animals. He knows the proper and humane way of capturing animals, teaching the audience, and releasing them back into their natural environment.
Brian, I would like to hear of other ways that would be safer to capture animals. I'm sure you don't have the experience that Dr. Barr has nor have you traveled around the world to help other cultures understand these animals through research with National Geographic.
True, he does get a bit dramatic, but that's a bit of show-biz. I guess most of us get a bit dramatic when we face a camera!
Posted by Jeanne | March 1, 2008 3:09 AM
dear doctor brady barr:
i wish you to see or watch this magnificent video that i found, this is the link i wish u can watch it email me on my email: june18m@aol.com
Posted by June Domingo | March 8, 2008 11:05 PM
dear doctor brady barr:
i wish you to see or watch this magnificent video that i found, this is the link i wish u can watch it email me on my email: june18m@aol.com
Posted by June Domingo | March 8, 2008 11:06 PM
since i cant send u the link please email me and ill send u the video please email
Posted by June Domingo | March 8, 2008 11:08 PM
Brady Barr is one of the best TV personalities out there right now. He is a great scientist and an even better entertainer. The only reason i watch TV is for Barr. He rules! Keep up the good work man!
Posted by Sam | March 10, 2008 1:25 PM
It's so funny......
Posted by Missy | March 18, 2008 1:52 AM
i love Dr. Bardy barr.
Posted by sarath kumar | March 29, 2008 9:48 AM
I luved it i was cool sorry for the bad language
Posted by aya | April 10, 2008 8:52 AM
Your work is awesome sir. You really make a difference for the future of these majestic reptiles.
By the way, may I have your email ad? I'm almost going to college, and I have had my mind set into becoming a Herpetologist like you in the future. I'd like to ask for some hints/tips/advice on how to become one. I've had this career choice ever since I was a little kid, and you gave me even MORE inspiration to go through with it.
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:02 AM
Your work is awesome sir. You really make a difference for the future of these majestic reptiles.
By the way, may I have your email ad? I'm almost going to college, and I have had my mind set into becoming a Herpetologist like you in the future. I'd like to ask for some hints/tips/advice on how to become one. I've had this career choice ever since I was a little kid, and you gave me even MORE inspiration to go through with it.
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:04 AM
Your work is awesome sir. You really make a difference for the future of these majestic reptiles.
By the way, may I have your email ad? I'm almost going to college, and I have had my mind set into becoming a Herpetologist like you in the future. I'd like to ask for some hints/tips/advice on how to become one. I've had this career choice ever since I was a little kid, and you gave me even MORE inspiration to go through with it.
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:06 AM
Note: My brother and I share the same email ad, thus the name in the ad is different.
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:13 AM
Email is:
gundam_00LG0@yahoo.com.ph
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:16 AM
Email is:
gundam_00LG0@yahoo.com.ph
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:18 AM
Email is:
gundam_00LG0@yahoo.com.ph
Posted by Lawrence P. | April 18, 2008 2:22 AM
He's a very good man who has died!
Posted by hayyan | April 25, 2008 11:04 AM
Hello Sir,
A great article indeed.
I am a big fan of yours.
I never miss your programme comming on Net Geo.
May I have your E-mail ID sir so that we can be in touch?
I will be very honoured sir!
Posted by Pallav Mistri | May 12, 2008 4:15 AM