In brief
"Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity at nearly 5.5 meters and possibly over 110 years old, has died in a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. Recognized for his past in the wild and later as a beloved creature at Marineland Melanesia, Cassius became a significant draw for tourists and was a cherished companion to founder George Craig."
The world's largest crocodile in captivity has sadly passed away at a wildlife sanctuary located on Green Island, Australia, in the Great Barrier Reef. Known as Cassius, this imposing saltwater crocodile measured nearly 5.5 meters (approximately 18 feet) and weighed close to one tonne. While his exact age was unknown, he was believed to be at least 110 years old.Cassius had resided at the sanctuary since his capture in the Northern Territory of Australia during the 1980s. His unique size and presence earned him the Guinness World Record in 2011 for being the largest crocodile in captivity. The Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat expressed their sorrow on social media, referring to Cassius as "our beloved mate" and "a cherished member of our family."Previously, Cassius called the wild home, where he was notorious for hunting cattle and famously attacking boat propellers before his eventual capture. The sanctuary's founder, George Craig, acquired him in 1987, and Cassius provided companionship and joy to Craig for more than 37 years. Recently, after Craig's relocation to Cairns, Cassius's health deteriorated. The habitat acknowledged that his age was significant, with the post emphasizing that he likely lived beyond what is typical for wild crocodiles. Visitors to the sanctuary were thanked for their kindness towards Cassius, and an announcement noted that the site might operate with limited services in the following days as they mourn his loss.
