Cassius, the world's largest crocodile in captivity, has died at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. The enormous saltwater crocodile, measuring nearly 5.5 meters (18 feet) and weighing close to a tonne, was believed to be over 110 years old, although his exact age was uncertain. Cassius had lived at Marineland Melanesia on an island off Queensland's coast since being captured in Australia’s Northern Territory in the 1980s.
In 2011, he earned a Guinness World Record as the largest crocodile in captivity. Marineland Melanesia shared on social media that Cassius was "our beloved mate" and "a cherished member of our family."
Before his captivity, Cassius was known in the wild for hunting cattle and damaging boat propellers, prompting his capture. George Craig, the founder of the sanctuary, bought Cassius in 1987. The sanctuary noted that Cassius "brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years."
In 2011, he earned a Guinness World Record as the largest crocodile in captivity. Marineland Melanesia shared on social media that Cassius was "our beloved mate" and "a cherished member of our family."
Before his captivity, Cassius was known in the wild for hunting cattle and damaging boat propellers, prompting his capture. George Craig, the founder of the sanctuary, bought Cassius in 1987. The sanctuary noted that Cassius "brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years."
