The world's largest captive crocodile died at an Australian wildlife refuge. Cassius was about 5.5m (18ft) long, weighed nearly a tonne, and was considered to be at least 110 years old, though no one knew for certain. The massive saltwater crocodile has resided in a sanctuary on an island off the coast of Queensland since being captured in Australia's Northern Territory in the 1980s.In 2011, he set a Guinness World Record as the largest crocodile in captivity. In a social media post, Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat stated that Cassius was "our beloved mate" and "a cherished member of our family".According to the group website, this crocodile has been in the refuge since 1987, having been evacuated from the Northern Territory, where crocodiles play an important role in the tourism industry. The Habitat also expressed gratitude to "everyone who visited Cassius throughout his life and offered kindness." He became the largest crocodile after the death of the Philippines' crocodile Lulong, who was 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in) long. Lolong died on February 10, 2013, of pneumonia and cardiac arrest, after a little more than two years and five months in captivity.
Cassius had previously lived in the wild, where he was known to catch and consume calves and assault boat propellers before being apprehended. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation stated that George Craig, the founder of Habitat, purchased Cassius in 1987. According to the habitat, Cassius "brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years".
According to the habitat, Mr Craig moved to Cairns last month, and Cassius' health quickly deteriorated."He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc," according to the message. The habitat also acknowledged "everyone who visited Cassius throughout his life and offered kindness," and stated that the site may operate "in a limited capacity over the next few days."
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