Cassius, the world’s largest saltwater crocodile in captivity and a legend in his own right, is no more. The 5.48-meter behemoth, who spent decades as a resident of Green Island in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, was a fixture of Marineland Melanesia and a record-breaking giant in the world of crocodiles. Cassius, whose age was estimated between 30 and 80 when he was captured in the 1980s, was officially recognized as the largest crocodile in captivity in 2011, cementing his place in history.
For years, Cassius was more than just an attraction; he was a symbol of wild strength, adapted to life under human care in Far North Queensland. In an announcement on social media Sunday afternoon, Marineland Melanesia described Cassius as “a cherished member of our family” and shared the depth of loss his caretakers feel. The crocodile’s long-standing handler and companion, George, looked after him for over 37 years.
“Our beloved mate Cassius… brought joy and companionship to his best mate George,” the team wrote.
Captured in 1984 in the Northern Territory and transported to Green Island soon after, Cassius became a beloved feature of the island’s wildlife sanctuary. Visitors from around the world were drawn to his formidable presence—his algae-covered, razor-sharp teeth and his unmatched size created an unforgettable sight. For George, who relocated to Cairns just last month, Cassius was a long-time friend. But the crocodile’s health declined rapidly after the move, marking the end of an era at the sanctuary.
The Marineland Melanesia team noted Cassius had exceeded the life expectancy of a wild saltwater crocodile, living out his years in their care. “Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever,” they shared. The sanctuary has expressed gratitude to everyone who visited Cassius over the years, acknowledging the special place he held in their lives and the memories he left behind.
In the days following this monumental loss, operations at Marineland Melanesia may be impacted as they honor Cassius’s legacy. Though Cassius is no more, his legacy as a symbol of nature’s resilience and wild power endures in the hearts of those who cared for and admired him will remain.
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