The crocodile star of the 1986 Australian cinema classic, Crocodile Dundee, alongside Paul Hogan died this Monday, December 23, 2024, on Christmas Eve, in the zoo where he had retired since 2008.
The star of Crocodile Dundee is dead. Not Paul Hogan, interpreter of the famous Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee: the 85-year-old Australian actor is very much alive, and is surely living his old days after his divorce under the Australian dodger. But it is Burt, the crocodile five years older than Hogan and true star of this 1980s cinema classic, who left us, after the deaths of David Gulpilil and Mark Blum, also in the poster of the film. It was its Australian aquarium Crocosaurus Cove which announced the sad news: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee”, can we read in the caption of a series of photos published on the zoo's Instagram account.
“Burt passed away peacefully this weekend, at the estimated age of 90, marking the end of an incredible era,” they added, saluting a life synonymous with “strength and resilience”, accompanied by a personality “bold”. Captured shortly before the filming of the film in 1986, Burt was surely one of the most famous crocodiles in the world thanks to his role in this adventure film with the virilistic charm typical of eightieswhich tells the life of a croc hunter tirelessly roaming the Australian bush in search of reptiles to kill accompanied by a journalist seeking to profile him in an article about his life.
A crocodile's life
This legendary crocodile was therefore born wild, before being captured in the Reynolds River and then passing down to posterity by “playing” in Crocodile Dundee. It was in 2008 that he joined the ranks of Crocosaurus Cove, where he became a “ambassador for crocodile education”. Ce “confirmed single” therefore ended his life happily, although in captivity, in this park in Darwin City, where he delighted visitors and veterinarians. “His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his keepers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw, untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.” we learn from the representatives of Crocosaurus Cove.
“Visitors from around the world have been amazed by his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time. The Crocosaurus Cove team would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his “As we mourn his passing, we remember the vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.” added those who planned to install a commemorative panel in memory of the deceased.
