Passing of Cassius, world's largest crocodile in captivity
Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat announced that Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity in the world, has passed away suddenly at the age of 120. This majestic creature, measuring approximately 5.5 metres long and weighing over 1,000 kilograms, spent the last decades of his life on Green Island in Queensland.
Cassius was not only a tourist attraction but also a symbol of the local fauna and proof of the longevity of saltwater crocodiles.
According to Marineland Melanesia representatives, Cassius had been living at their sanctuary since 1987, when he was transported from the Northern Territory. His story is full of dramatic twists – he was deemed "problematic" in 1984 after he threatened local livestock resources and attacked several boats.
George Craig, who founded Marineland Melanesia on Green Island in 1969, captured him near the Finniss River southwest of Darwin.
From the very beginning, Cassius inspired respect and fascination
Professor Grahame Webb, a renowned crocodile researcher who participated in the reptile's capture, recalled him as "a large, old, and incredibly strong crocodile." Webb emphasized that Cassius was about 5 metres long at the time, although he was missing a few centimetres of the tail and a piece of his snout—which further enhanced his unusual appearance and garnered respect among those who had the opportunity to see him.
Due to his impressive size, Cassius earned the title of the largest crocodile in captivity, which Guinness World Records confirmed. He was awarded this title after the death of Lolong, a crocodile from the Philippines who measured just over 6 metres but died in 2013.
