A 700kg crocodile that starred alongside Paul Hogan in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile Dundee has passed away, according to a report from The Independent. The reptile’s caretaker confirmed that Burt, the five-meter-long saltwater crocodile, was 90 years old at the time of his death. Burt had been living in Darwin, Australia, since 2008 and spent the last 16 years at Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile herpetarium and aquarium.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,” the zoo said in a statement on Facebook.
Saltwater crocodiles are among the largest reptiles on Earth, capable of eating any animal that ventures too close. While the average lifespan of a saltwater crocodile is about 70 years, some can live up to 100 years.
Crocsodile Dundee, which starred Burt, remains the highest-grossing Australian film of all time, according to The Independent.
In the film, Hogan, an eccentric poacher, saves American reporter Sue Charlton (played by Linda Kozlowski) from a crocodile attack, leading her to invite him to New York.
“Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife,” the zoo said in its tribute.
A spokesperson for the zoo told Australian news outlet news.com.au that Burt had a “challenging” personality. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm. His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile,” the spokesperson said.
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