News of the passing of Cassius, the world’s largest crocodile, has left many saddened.
This impressive creature lived an astonishing 110 years, becoming a beloved figure in his sanctuary in Queensland, Australia.
Declining Health
Caretakers noticed Cassius’s health had been deteriorating since October, prompting concerns about his well-being.
Weighing over a ton and stretching 18 feet long, he held the title of the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity, a Guinness World Record that he earned following the death of another massive crocodile, Lolong, in 2013.
From Wild to Captivity
Before his life in the sanctuary, Cassius roamed the waterways of Australia.
He was captured in 1984 near a cattle station on the Finniss River, southwest of Darwin, where he was notorious for causing trouble.
At the time of his capture, he was estimated to be between 30 and 80 years old, setting the record for the largest crocodile ever captured alive in Australia.
A Star Attraction
Cassius called Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat home since 1987, after being transported from the Northern Territory.
Over the years, he became a central figure in the region’s tourism industry, drawing countless visitors eager to catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature.
Remembering Cassius
His caretakers expressed their heartfelt sorrow in a Facebook post, stating, “He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.
Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever.”
One of his former keepers, Toody Scott, reflected on his unique personality, saying, “He had these big eyes that you could look into, and you could see his soul.
He always had this spark about him, which was very different from working with other crocs.”
A Bond Beyond Words
Cassius shared a particularly close relationship with his caretaker, George Craig, the founder of Marineland Melanesia.
The two would often spend hours together in quiet companionship.
Even in recent years, when Craig needed a mobility scooter, Cassius would approach him as soon as he got close to the enclosure, showcasing the special bond they shared.
With Cassius’s passing, the world has lost a remarkable creature whose life spanned over a century.
His legacy will live on in the memories of those who cared for him and the many visitors he inspired.
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