‘End of an unimaginable period’ as Crocodile Dundee star dies – after residing for greater than 90 years

An iconic star in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile Dundee has died.

Burt, the 5.1-metre 700kg monster crocodile from the comedy adventure film, who starred alongside Paul Hogan, died in captivity in Darwin.

He was thought to have been over 90 years old.

Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile herpetarium and aquarium attraction which had kept Burt in captivity since 2008, announced the reptile’s death on Monday.

‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,’ the facility posted on its Facebook page.

‘Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.’

The herpetarium wrote a heartfelt tribute to the iconic creature, described as ‘one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world’.

‘Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience and a personality as bold as the Top End itself,’ it wrote.

‘Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised 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 at a crocodile farm.

‘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.’

They continued: ‘Burt was truly one of a kind. He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. 

‘While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years. Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.

‘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 vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.’

Crocosaurus Cove plans to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign at the attraction.

Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby expressed her sadness at the news of Burt’s passing while addressing the media on Monday. 

‘[Burt was] a true icon of the Territory, obviously featuring in Crocodile Dundee,’ she said.

‘It’s very sad to hear… I think that Territorians right across the Territory would be feeling quite sad about this.’

In 2015, Burt made headlines after two drunken teenagers broke into his enclosure to taunt him.

The teens, described as ‘a tad intoxicated’ by police, sneaked into ‘Crocosaurus Cove’ and teased the monstrous croc.

‘About 4am we received a call from the security guard… he, God bless his cotton socks, gave chase and the two suspects decamped,’ Superintendent Del Jones said, according to Nine News.

Before they were spooked by the guard, the pair threw objects into the crocodile enclosure, including a ‘wet floor’ sign and a pink buoy, which the 700kg behemoth summarily chewed up in disgust.

‘Burt didn’t like that, he destroyed it,’ Superintendent Jones said.

Burt starred alongside Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the original Crocodile Dundee movie, as well as providing the basis for the digital crocodile in the 2007 film Rogue.