In brief
The world has lost its most renowned crocodile, Cassius, who captivated hearts at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. Measuring nearly 5.5 meters (18 feet) and weighing close to one tonne, Cassius was thought to have lived over a century—a feat rare for his breed. Believed to have been captured in the Northern Territory during the 1980s, Cassius had resided in the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat on Green Island, off Queensland's coast, since then. His enormous size earned him the Guinness World Record for being the largest crocodile in captivity in 2011.
The sanctuary took to social media to honor their “beloved mate,” indicating that Cassius had been a cherished part of their family. Initially a wild crocodile notorious for preying on cattle and attacking boats, Cassius was bought by habitat founder George Craig in 1987, establishing an enduring bond that lasted over 37 years. However, following Mr. Craig's recent relocation to Cairns, Cassius's health began to deteriorate rapidly. The sanctuary remarked on the deep connection between the crocodile and Craig, stating that he "brought joy and companionship" for many years. They also expressed gratitude to all visitors who shared love and care with Cassius throughout his life. Despite this loss, the habitat noted that operations might be limited in the coming days as they cope with the emotional void left by their legendary resident.
