Legendary world's largest crocodile Cassius dies at 120
Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat announced that Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 120. This majestic reptile, measuring 18 feet long and weighing over 2,200 pounds, spent the last decades of his life on Green Island in Queensland.
11:49 AM EDT, November 2, 2024
Cassius was not only a tourist attraction but also a symbol of the local fauna and an example of the longevity of saltwater crocodiles.
According to Marineland Melanesia representatives, Cassius had lived at their sanctuary since 1987, when he was transported from the Northern Territory. His history is full of dramatic twists—the crocodile was deemed "problematic" in 1984 after threatening local livestock and attacking several boats.
George Craig, who founded Marineland Melanesia on Green Island in 1969, captured him near the Finniss River southwest of Darwin.
Cassius inspired respect and fascination from the start
Professor Grahame Webb, a renowned crocodile researcher who participated in capturing the reptile, recalled him as "a large, old, and incredibly strong crocodile." Webb emphasized that Cassius was already about 16 feet long at the time, though he was missing a few inches of tail and a piece of his snout, which made his unusual appearance even more striking and commanded respect among those who had the chance to see him.
Thanks to his impressive size, Cassius earned the title of the largest crocodile in captivity in the world, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. He was awarded this title after the death of Lolong the crocodile from the Philippines, who measured slightly over 20 feet but died in 2013.
