Fans of the 1986 action comedy film “Crocodile Dundee” are mourning the loss of Burt, the movie’s leading reptile.
Crocosaurus Cove, a herpetarium and aquarium attraction in Darwin City, Australia, announced Burt’s death online, confirming that he died peacefully over the weekend.
The saltwater crocodile, estimated to be over 16 feet long and 90 years old, had lived at the Cove since 2008.
For the wildlife park, Burt’s death marked “the end of an incredible era.”
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt,” the park wrote on Sunday. “Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience, and a personality as bold as the Top End itself.”
Burt was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River in Litchfield National Park in northern Australia.
The crocodile went on to star alongside actors Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the cult comedy “Crocodile Dundee.” The film follows a New York reporter, portrayed by Kozlowski, who travels to the Australian Outback to interview the titular crocodile hunter, played by Hogan.
Hogan’s performance earned him “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy” at the 1987 Golden Globes. That same year, the Australian actor—who co-wrote the film’s screenplay—was also nominated for an Academy Award for “Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen.”
Thanks to his role in the film, Burt became one of the most recognized crocodiles in the world. According to the park, the film credits him with “helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.”
Burt, who lived in captivity for more than 40 years, served as a “fierce and fascinating” ambassador for crocodile education during his time at Crocosaurus Cove, the aquarium noted.
“Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor—an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” the park wrote.
“His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”
Crocosaurus Cove said Burt was “truly one of a kind,” adding that the park planned to install a commemorative sign in honor of his legacy.
“He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures,” the park wrote.
“As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.”
‘A Majestic Creature’
Crocosaurus Cove said Burt’s “challenging” personality made him a fan-favorite among the thousands who visited him over the years.
“Visitors from around the globe marveled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time,” the herpetarium shared.
“The team at Crocosaurus Cove would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his remarkable life.”
Fans and visitors alike took to the comment section to pay their respects to the reptile.
“I saw Burt when I visited in 2014. He was an incredible sight at feeding time; the snap of his jaws created a boom that you could feel in your chest, even when you were some distance away,” tourist guide Mario Cacciottolo recalled.
“He was a majestic creature, all right,” she added. “Well done for looking after him for so long; he had a long and good life.”
“So sorry for your loss! Sending big hugs to the entire @crocosauruscove family,” wrote Savannah Boan, a crocodilian advocate and wildlife personality.
Guests of the park also shared touching tributes on Facebook, with one visitor writing: “What an amazing croc he was.”
“I had the amazing privilege of getting to feed Burt as part of my VIP tour when I visited in October 2022,” wrote another.
“He was truly such an incredibly beautiful and powerful animal and feeding him was one of the great moments of my time up in Darwin. RIP Burt.”
From The Epoch Times