Anthony Dawson, better known as viral wildlife conservation advocate TooTurntTony or "Duck Daddy," has sparked concern with his latest Instagram post.
In the post dated December 18, 2024, TooTurntTony alleged he was at the Federal District Court before noting he did not have pertinent details to disclose to his millions of followers. Hinting at a potential break from social media, the influencer said:
“Not the 2024 season finale I was hoping for but today I find myself in federal district court. Unfortunately, at the moment I do not know many details but If I do not post for some time, know I appreciate y’all and it has been an absolute wild ride. I am beyond happy I was able to share my life with y’all.”
Social media users wondered if the post was a prank as TooTurntTony is known for his elaborate online jokes, including deciding to prank his family by pretending to be serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
“Is this part of an elaborate prank?” a netizen asked.
Another echoed, “I'm sure it is”
The post also sparked concerns online, with many wondering if the influencer, who had faced legal issues, was arrested. Reacting to the post a fan said:
“Free too turnt he ain’t do nothing wrong”
“Maybe a fish and wildlife violation? I hope this isn’t gonna be like the squirrel incident. Stay strong Tony!!” another added, referencing the Peanut the Squirrel incident where owner Mark Longo’s pet was seized and euthanized.
However, a social media user who claimed to have looked up the case in Lee County, Florida, alleged TooTurntTony was charged with:
"CONSERVATION VIOLATE GAME FISH RULES Statute: 379.401 Misdemeanor – Second Degree.”
The social media user added:
“Today Tony was present without an attorney so a continuance was filed. In reviewing the case info available to the public.”
The user alleged the charge was related to a catch and release of a sandbar shark, a protective species, from the water back in January 2024.
TooTurntTony sandbar shark incident explored
In January, TooTurntTony, who has over 20 million TikTok followers and over 6 million YouTube subscribers, posted a video where he claimed his beloved pet duck was attacked by a shark while swimming on a beach. The influencer, who has posted videos of hunting sharks, said he was going to hunt and gut the shark that allegedly attacked his duck.
In the video, the influencer was seen catching a shark, which was heard wailing and thrashing on the shore before opening a can of beer on its teeth. TooTurntTony soon realized he had caught a Sandbar shark, a protected species, and released it back into the ocean. At the time, TooTurntTony said:
“Turns out it’s a sandbar shark which is highly protected. So we got her back in the water asap. Looks like she lucked out and would live to see another day.”
However, Shark Diver & Ocean Conservationist Adriana Marine criticised TooTurntTony over seemingly torturing the shark. In a YouTube video, she said:
“As someone who states they care about animals, this is extremely disappointing. Making up false narratives about a shark attack, and showing off that you’re “hunting” it down to get revenge is setting a horrible example to the many people who might have misperceptions about these beautiful animals.”
She added:
“Exploiting an animal by cracking a can on its teeth while it is suffocating on a beach, and suffering unsure of its future does not demonstrate a love for animals.”
TooTurntTony was also slammed online over the Sandbar shark incident, prompting him to defend his actions by saying:
“Any Follower knows the love I have for animals. Clearly, nothing is harmed here. It’s simply catch and release fishing.”
However, Adriana Marine countered the argument, indicating:
“Stating that catch and release fishing is not harmful simply is not true. For some species the rate of post-release mortality is low, but for many others, it is very high! Many species will swim off appearing fine and then will still face mortality hours after their struggle being caught on a fishing line.”
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TooTurntTony, whose real name is Anthony Dawson, is a 29-year-old social media influencer who rose to fame due to his wildlife conservation advocacy. TooTurntTony, who began his career as a duck rancher, initially posted Duck videos to increase awareness of wetland conservation.
In 2023, he was named top 50 creators by Forbes.
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