The world’s largest crocodile in captivity has died at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.
The huge saltwater crocodile lived in the sanctuary on an island off the coast of Queensland since being caught in Australia’s Northern Territory in the 1980s.
In 2011, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile in captivity.
Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat said in a post on social media that Cassius was “our beloved mate” and “a cherished member of our family”.
“He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc,” the post said.
At a wildlife sanctuary in Australia, the largest captive crocodile in the world passed away.
Though no one was certain, Cassius was believed to be at least 110 years old, nearly 5’5″ (18′) long, and nearly a tonne in weight.
Since it was captured in Australia’s Northern Territory in the 1980s, the massive saltwater crocodile has resided in the sanctuary on an island off the coast of Queensland.
He was granted the Guinness World Record for the largest captive crocodile in 2011.
The Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat described Cassius as “our beloved mate” and “a cherished member of our family” in a social media post.
Before being apprehended, Cassius had lived in the wild, where he was notorious for attacking boat propellers and capturing and devouring cattle.
Cassius was purchased by George Craig, the founder of the habitat, in 1987, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
According to the habitat, Cassius “brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years.”.
According to the habitat, Cassius’s health quickly deteriorated after Mr. Craig moved to Cairns last month.
According to the post, “He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.”.
In addition, the habitat expressed gratitude to “everyone who visited Cassius throughout his life and offered kindness,” but it also hinted that it might only be open “in a limited capacity over the subsequent days.”.
