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The world’s largest crocodile in captivity has died at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. <\/p>\n
Cassius was nearly 5.5m (18ft) long, weighed nearly one tonne and was thought to be at least 110 years old – although no one knew for sure.<\/p>\n
The huge saltwater crocodile lived in the sanctuary on an island off the coast of Queensland since being caught in Australia’s Northern Territory in the 1980s.<\/p>\n
In 2011, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile in captivity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat said in a post on social media that Cassius was “our beloved mate” and “a cherished member of our family”.<\/p>\n
Cassius had previously lived in the wild, where he was known for catching and eating cattle, and attacking boat propellers before being captured.<\/p>\n
The habitat’s founder, George Craig, bought Cassius in 1987, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.<\/p>\n
Cassius “brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years”, the habitat said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The habitat added that Mr Craig relocated to Cairns last month and Cassius’s health declined soon after.<\/p>\n
“He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc,” the post said. <\/p>\n
The habitat also thanked “everyone who visited Cassius throughout his life and offered kindness”, adding that the site may be operating “in a limited capacity over the next few days”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n