‘Crocodile Dundee’ Star Passes Away

Burt, the legendary saltwater crocodile whose role in the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee helped define Australia’s untamed spirit, has died. He was believed to be over 90 years old. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, where he had lived since 2008 as one of the attraction’s star residents.

His death marks the end of an extraordinary life that intertwined with Hollywood fame and the rugged beauty of Australia’s Top End. Captured in the Reynolds River in the 1980s, Burt was already a creature of remarkable size and presence when he was selected to appear in Crocodile Dundee. The film’s global success catapulted him into the limelight, making him one of the most recognizable crocodiles in the world and cementing his place in pop culture as an emblem of Australia’s wild frontier.

In the decades that followed, Burt transitioned from movie star to conservation ambassador. At Crocosaurus Cove, he became a central figure in crocodile education and awareness, drawing visitors from across the globe who marveled at his formidable size and fierce demeanor.

“Burt was truly one of a kind,” Crocosaurus Cove Darwin said in a statement. “He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years. Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.”

Burt the crocodile

In Crocodile Dundee (1986), Burt the crocodile played a crucial role in one of the film’s most iconic scenes. He was the massive saltwater crocodile that attacked Sue Charlton (played by Linda Kozlowski) while she was filling a canteen at the water’s edge. The dramatic moment set the stage for the movie’s hero, Mick Dundee (played by Paul Hogan), to showcase his bushman skills by saving her, cementing his status as a rugged, fearless adventurer. Although brief, Burt’s appearance added a sense of danger and authenticity to the film, embodying the wild and untamed Australian Outback that the movie celebrated.

Burt the crocodile

Saltwater crocodiles, like Burt, typically live 70 to 100 years in the wild, depending on factors like habitat quality, food availability, and threats from humans or other crocodiles. However, in captivity, with regular feeding and medical care, they can live longer, often reaching or even surpassing the upper limit of their natural lifespan. Burt, estimated to have been over 90 years old, was on the higher end of this range.

Known for his strong-willed personality, Burt was famously solitary. In his younger years, caretakers at a crocodile farm noted his reluctance to engage with potential mates, earning him a reputation as a “confirmed bachelor.” His fiery temperament and striking independence became key traits that endeared him to his caretakers and visitors alike. Visitors often witnessed Burt in his full glory during feeding demonstrations, where his immense size and commanding movements left audiences in awe.

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