Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile, passed away on Nov. 2 after spending 40 years in captivity at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat in Australia. The news of his death was shared on Facebook by the crocodile habitat, expressing deep sadness over the loss of their beloved crocodile companion.
Cassius, a saltwater crocodile measuring 17 feet and 11.75 inches long, held the Guinness World Record for being the largest living captive crocodile in 2011. He was captured in the Finniss River near Darwin in 1984 due to his aggressive behavior, which included attacking cattle and boat propellers. This led to him sustaining multiple battle scars, including the loss of his front left leg, part of his snout, and part of his tail.
In his later years, Cassius was moved to an “assisted care residence” in Cairns after his health started to decline in mid-October. Despite the efforts to care for him, the massive crocodile passed away at the age of over 120 years, as estimated by experts. It is difficult to determine his exact age as he was born in the wild, but his keepers believe he lived well beyond the years of a wild crocodile.
While Cassius was an impressive specimen, he was not the largest crocodile ever kept in captivity. That title belongs to Lolong, a saltwater crocodile from the Philippines who measured over 20 feet before his death in 2013. Cassius may have grown even larger if he had been measured again after 2011.
Cassius’ death marks the end of an era at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat, where he had been a cherished member of the family for over 37 years. His presence brought joy and companionship to his mate George, and his legacy as the world’s largest captive crocodile will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we mourn the loss of Cassius, we also reflect on the incredible life he lived and the impact he had on those around him. His story serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect species like the saltwater crocodile for future generations to appreciate and admire. Rest in peace, Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile.
