In brief
Cassius, recognized as the world's largest crocodile in captivity and a cherished tourist attraction in Australia, has died. Known for his massive size and age, Cassius had been a resident of the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat for decades, bringing joy to visitors and his caretaker, George Craig.
The world's largest crocodile in captivity, Cassius, has passed away at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. Measuring nearly 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length and weighing close to one tonne, this giant saltwater crocodile had a storied life and was believed to be at least 110 years old, although his exact age remained uncertain. Cassius resided at the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat on Green Island, located in the Great Barrier Reef, after being captured in the Northern Territory of Australia in the 1980s. His impressive size and history earned him a Guinness World Record in 2011, solidifying his reputation as an extraordinary animal. The wildlife sanctuary paid tribute to Cassius on social media, referring to him as "our beloved mate" and a cherished member of their family. Before his time in captivity, Cassius was notorious for catching and consuming cattle and was known to attack boat propellers, highlighting his formidable nature. George Craig, the founder of the habitat who purchased Cassius in 1987, shared a special bond with the crocodile, stating that Cassius "brought joy and companionship" to him for over 37 years. Unfortunately, following Craig's recent relocation to Cairns, Cassius's health began to decline. In their heartfelt tribute, the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat mentioned that Cassius lived well beyond the average lifespan of wild crocodiles, calling attention to his age and decline. The facility also expressed gratitude to all visitors who had shown kindness to Cassius over the years, noting that operations may be limited in the days following his passing.
