Other boys his age play with trucks or coloring crayons, but Charley Parker of Victoria, Australia much prefers giant reptiles. According to ABC News, Charlie grew up with these animals in his father’s wildlife park, and although he was never encouraged to play with large and dangerous creatures, he always had a love of nature.

Pictures of Charlie hugging an alligator have been circulating around the internet, leading many concerned parents to question his safety. The boy’s father Greg Parker says that Charlie knows that these animals are dangerous and has a healthy respect for them, but can also be “an ambassador for animal conservation and welfare.”

Charlie’s best friend is a boa constrictor named Pablo.

Image screenshot of video by Recreation113 on youtube