Burt, The Crocodile in ‘Crocodile Dundee’, Dead At 90

Burt, the giant crocodile featured in the classic 1986 film Crocodile Dundee starring Paul Hogan, is dead. Crocosaurus Cove, the Australian reptile park where Burt lived in his final years, announced his passing on social media.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the reptile. “Burt passed away peacefully at the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.”

With Hogan as the weathered Mick Dundee and Linda Kozlowski as reporter Sue Charlton, Crocodile Dundee was inspired by the true exploits of Rod Ansell, an Australian cattle rancher and buffalo hunter. The film, made on a budget of less than $10 million, was the highest-grossing film of all time in Australia when it was released on April 30, 1986. It then went on to become the second-highest-grossing film in the United States when it was released on the 26th. September 1986, the highest-grossing non-American film of all time and the second-highest-grossing film worldwide for that year.

“Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience and a personality as brave as the Top End itself,” the park continued in its Instagram post. “Caught in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognized crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.

“In 2008 Burt made his way to Crocosaurus Cove where he became a fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education. Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years on a crocodile farm. His fiery temper earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.

“Burt was truly one of a kind. He was not just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. Although his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and loved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years. Visitors from all over the world marveled at his imposing size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.

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“The team at Crocosaurus Cove would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his remarkable life. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the important role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

“We plan to honor Burt’s legacy with a memorial at the attraction that celebrates his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park.”