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Cassius, the world’s largest crocodile who attacked boats and stalked cows in Oz, dies suddenly, aged 120

Harry November 2, 2024

The world’s largest crocodile died at the age of 120.

Standing an incredible 18ft tall and weighing over a tonne, Cassius lived hidden on an island off the coast of Australia.

The giant beast's health had been declining since mid-October — The giant beast’s health had been declining since mid-October1 credit

It was captured in Australia's Northern Territory and then transported to the Green Island in the 80s. — It was captured in Australia’s Northern Territory and then transported to the Green Island in the 80s.Credit: @guinnessworldrecords/YouTube

The scaly beast once prowled the nation’s waterways, attacking boats and stealing cattle.

Cassius later became the star attraction of the Marineland Melanesian Alligator Habitat off the coast of Green Island. cairns, Queensland.

But the shelter said on Facebook that Cassius’ health condition had worsened since October 15.

“He was very old and was believed to have lived beyond the years of a wild Croc,” he said.

“Cassius will be greatly missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever.”

On October 14, Cassius received a checkup from Professor Sally Isberg of the Crocodile Research Center and all seemed well.

However, after a few days he started refusing to eat.

Watchmen found him dead indoors at 11 a.m. Saturday morning. New Zealand Herald reports.

Cassius, who died cared for by his captor and guardian after 37 years in captivity, is remembered as a “sweetheart”.

One of his former protégés, Toody Scott, told AAP: “He had big eyes that you could look at and look into his soul.

A man who was dragged underwater in front of his terrified wife and children while fishing in Aus is feared dead in a crocodile attack

Missing his right leg and part of his nose and tail, Cassius lived in a marine zoo off the coast of Australia.Credit: @guinnessworldrecords/YouTube

The beast weighed more than a tonCredit: Reuters

“There was always a spark in him that was very different from working with other alligators.”

The crocodiles have lived at the sanctuary since 1987 after being transported from the neighboring Northern Territory, where they are a key part of the region’s tourism industry, the group’s website said.

Cassius, who lost his right leg, is estimated to be 120 years old, but scientists are unsure how old the gnarled beast is.

The saltwater crocodile held the Guinness World Records title as the world’s largest captive crocodile.

He received the title after the death of Lolong, a 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in) long Philippine crocodile, in 2013, according to Guinness.

However, he regained the title after Lolong’s death in February 2013.

Considered a problem crocodile in 1984, Cassius was captured near a cattle farm on the Finniss River, southwest of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

The aggressive reptile was accused of snatching cattle and attacking boats.

At the time of his capture, Cassius was estimated to be between 30 and 80 years old and was the largest crocodile ever caught alive in Australia.

After being captured in 1984, he was transported to Green Island in 1987 by alligator hunter George Craig, who opened Marineland Melanesia in 1969.

From there began a nearly forty-year friendship between Craig and Cassius.

Five facts about the saltwater crocodile

Saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world and the largest living reptile on Earth. Other crocodile species are: Nile Crocodile, American Crocodile, Freshwater Crocodile, Gharial Crocodile and American Crocodile.
Male saltwater crocodiles have been recorded to be 23 feet long. Females are much smaller and grow to about 10 meters in length. Cassius, the world’s largest crocodile, lives in a wildlife park in Queensland, Australia.
Saltwater crocodiles communicate using a variety of sounds. including barking, hissing, growling and chirping.
Crocodiles are as old as dinosaurs. Saltwater crocodiles are one of the oldest living creatures on the planet. They first appeared 240 million years ago, during the time of the dinosaurs. While others have evolved into different shapes and forms, crocodiles have stuck to the same structure for the last 200 million years.
Alligators lay eggs. Saltwater crocodiles breed during the rainy season, with females laying up to 50 eggs and building nests on nearby river banks. The eggs incubate for about 3 months before hatching. Only 1 percent of offspring survive to adulthood

Goalkeeper Toody Scott, Craig’s grandson, said: “They had a close bond.

“George would sit quietly next to Cassius for hours.

“For the last few years, George has been riding around on a scooter, and whenever he gets close to the enclosure, Cassius comes up to him.”

In early October, Craig, 94, checked into an assisted living facility.

According to Scott, there may be “some kind of correlation” between Cassius’ loneliness and the absence of his partner.

“Cassius was very aware of George and his presence,” he told AAP.

Although it was unexpected, Scott said it was difficult to tell his grandfather that Cassius had died because the alligators remained sick for months.

“They’re really good at survival,” he said.

“But George knows that time catches up with everyone.”