The world's largest crocodile in captivity has died in a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.
Cassius was almost 5.5 metres long and weighed nearly a tonne. He was believed to be at least 110 years old, although no one knew for sure, the BBC reported.
The giant saltwater crocodile lived in a wildlife sanctuary on an island off the coast of Queensland after it was captured in Australia's Northern Territory in the 1980s.
In 2011, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile living in captivity.
Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat wrote in a social media post that Cassius was "our beloved friend" and "a dear member of our family".
Cassius had previously lived in the wild, where he was known for catching and eating cattle as well as attacking propellers on boats before being captured.
The habitat's founder, George Craig, brought Cassius in 1987.
The crocodile "brought joy and companionship to his best friend George for more than 37 years," the reserve said.
It added that Craig moved to Cairns last month and soon after, Cassius' health deteriorated.
"He was very old and was thought to be living beyond the years of a wild crocodile," the post further said.
The sanctuary also thanked "everyone who has visited Cassius throughout his life and offered him kindness." It added that the facility may be open "in a limited capacity" for the next few days. | BGNES
