Cinema in mourning. The crocodile went out “Burt” protagonist of the hugely successful film “Mr. Crocodile Dundee” (1986) by Peter Faiman, starring Paul Hogan as Michael J. Mick Dundee and Linda Kozlowski, and set in the Australian outback and New York. As the first film in the film series, it was followed by two sequels: “Mr. Crocodile Dundee 2” (1988) e “Crocodile Dundee 3” (2000). “Burt” is thought to have been in his 90s. It is not unusual for saltwater crocodiles to live past the age of 70, especially in captivity. “Burt” will be honored with a commemorative sign at the Australian attraction.
The news of his death was confirmed by staff at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, a reptile and aquarium attraction where “Burt” has lived since 2008. In a statement published on Instagram, the wildlife center wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Mr. Crocodile Dundee. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, with an estimated age of over 90, marking the end of an incredible era.”
In the film, Michael J. Mick Dundee's character (Hogan) swaps the Australian outback for the jungle of New York after meeting American reporter Sue Charlton (Kozlowski), who eventually falls in love with him. The crocodile became famous for the scene in which Kozlowski's character is attacked while kneeling near a stream.
“Burt”, captured in the 1980s in Reynolds River, Northern Territory of Australia, was described by Crocasourus Cove as “an animal with a bold personality. Burt was a confirmed bachelor, an attitude he made evident during his early years on a crocodile farm.”
And again: “His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his keepers and visitors, as he embodied the raw, indomitable spirit of the saltwater crocodile. Burt was truly one of a kind. It wasn't just a crocodile, it was a force of nature that reminds us of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and loved by those who worked with him and the thousands of people who visited him over the years.” The statement concludes: “Visitors from around the world have marveled at its impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.”
