Nature
PUBLISHED
So long Cassius – the world’s largest captive crocodile has died at his home Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat in Green Island, Australia.
The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.The gigantic Australian saltwater croc (Crocodylus porosus) was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile in captivity in 2011. Cassius measured a whopping 5.48 meters long (17 feet 11 inches) and was reported to weigh over 1 tonne.
Toody Scott, who was involved in Cassius's care with his grandfather, owner of the park George Craig, told Guinness World Records, “It’s very possible Cassius may have grown bigger since 2011, however we have not attempted to remeasure him.”
Marineland Melanesia wrote on social media to announce his passing, describing him as “more than just a crocodile”. Cassius is thought to have died of old age after living approximately 110 years. The Facebook post stated that Cassius had been in declining health since October 15. Cassius was named after Cassius Clay, the birth name of famous boxer Muhammad Ali.
Cassius was found in the Finniss River near Darwin and is believed to have suffered many injuries from attacking boat propellers. Cassius was missing “his front left leg, part of his snout and 15 centimeters [6 inches] off the end of his tail,” write Marineland Melanesia on their website. The team believes he was transported by road and boat before beginning his life at Marineland Melanesia in 1987. Based on his size it was estimated that Cassius was born around 1903, which would make him closer to 121 years old at his death, though there is no way to know for sure when he hatched.
The largest crocodile in captivity ever was named Lolong and measured 6.17 meters (20 feet 3 inches), but sadly passed away in 2013. The longest alligator in the wild was never officially recorded, but would you know the difference between them?
Scott told Guinness World Records that Cassius was relatively chilled out for a giant crocodile: “He has a gentle nature unlike most but we have to remind ourselves he can be cunning as a croc and the best way to win his heart is through his stomach, after all we are in ‘croc country’ and it’s always best to stay ‘Crocwise’.”
The Facebook post ends by thanking those who visited the crocodile over his extraordinary lifespan: "Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you to everyone who visited Cassius through out his life and offered kindness along the way."
