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Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile, dies in Australia
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Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile, dies in Australia

An Australian crocodile measuring 5.48 meters (18 feet), which held the world record for the largest crocodile in captivity, has died, a wildlife reserve announced on Saturday. He was thought to be over 110 years old.

Cassius, weighing more than a ton, had been in poor health since October 15, Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat said on Facebook.

“He was very old and thought to have lived beyond the years of a wild crocodile,” according to a post from the organization based on Green Island, near the tourist town of Cairns, Queensland.

“We will miss Cassius dearly, but our love and memories will forever remain in our hearts.”

The world's largest captive crocodile, Cassius, is pictured at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia, March 18, 2023. Photo: Reuters
The world’s largest captive crocodile, Cassius, is pictured at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia on March 18, 2023. Photo:Reuters

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

Cassius, a saltwater crocodile, held the Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest crocodile in captivity.

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