Cassius was a male saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) who was previously recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest crocodile living in captivity in 2011.[1] The animal measured 5.48 metres (18 ft 0 in) in length, weighed approximately 1,300 kilograms (2,870 lb),[2][1] and was kept at the Marineland Crocodile Park, a zoo on Green Island, Queensland, Australia.
 | |
| Species | Crocodylus porosus (Saltwater crocodile) |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Died | 3 November 2024 |
| Known for | Guinness World Record "world's largest crocodile in captivity” |
Cassius was officially recognized by Guinness in 2011, but lost the title in 2012 to Lolong, a 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in)[3] saltwater crocodile caught in the southern Philippines. Cassius regained the title and held the record after Lolong's death in February 2013.[4]
Crocodile researcher Graeme Webb said that Cassius was "a big old gnarly crocodile" aged between 30 and 80 years old when he was captured in 1984, and was "maybe 120 years" in 2023.[5]
Cassius died in November 2024.[6] A necropsy found no particular cause of death, indicating that he died of old age. Samples of Cassius' body were sent away in an attempt to determine his age, and his skin and head have been preserved.[7]
Capture
editCassius was known as a problem animal that attacked boats in the Northern Territory's Finniss River and was captured in 1984.[8] Three years later, he was brought to Green Island by crocodile hunter George Craig, who had opened Marineland Melanesia in 1969. At the time of his introduction at the zoo, Cassius measured 5.30 m (17 ft 5 in).[9]
See also
edit- Sweetheart, a 5.1 m (17 ft) saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
References
edit- ^ a b "Largest crocodile in captivity (living)". Guinness World Records. Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ Webb, G. (2019). "Observation of large Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)" (PDF). Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter. 38 (2). IUCN – Species Survival Commission: 12–13.
- ^ Ramoso, Emelinda (17 November 2011). ""Lolong" holds world record as largest croc in the world". Biodiversity Management Bureau. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ Nelson, Sara C (12 June 2013). "A Meaty Birthday Treat For Cassius The Crocodile As He Turns 110-Years-Old (PICTURES)". HuffPost UK. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ Calcino, Chris; Byrne, Conor; Richardson, Holly (5 June 2023). "Cassius the crocodile hits the 120-year milestone on his Green Island home". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ Ferguson, Gemma (2 November 2024). "Cassius, the world's largest crocodile in captivity, dies in Far North Queensland". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ Byrne, Conor; Stephen, Adam (5 November 2024). "Investigation begins to learn exact age of dead crocodile, Cassius". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ "The world's oldest crocodile celebrates his 112th birthday in style". BreakingNews.ie. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ "Cassius, the world's largest crocodile, celebrates 110th birthday with 20kg MEAT cake". Yahoo News. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
External links
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