The crocodile Cassius, measuring 5.48 meters long, was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest crocodile in captivity and passed away yesterday (November 2) at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.
George Craig feeding crocodile Cassius at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island. (Photo: Reuters).
Cassius was believed to be over 110 years old.
On social media, the Marineland Melanesia sanctuary on Green Island, Queensland, announced that Cassius, who weighed over a ton, had been in declining health since October 15.
The sanctuary noted that the saltwater crocodile Cassius was very old compared to the average lifespan of a wild crocodile.
The average lifespan of crocodiles in the wild is 30-40 years for smaller species and 60-70 years for larger species.
According to the sanctuary’s website, Cassius had been living at the sanctuary since 1987 after being relocated from the Northern Territory, where crocodiles play a significant role in the region’s tourism.
According to Guinness World Records, before Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity was named Lolong, who lived in the Philippines and measured 6.17 meters in length before passing away in 2013.
