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It made millions of spectators tremble and marked an era in cinema. Burt, the saltwater crocodile protagonist of a memorable scene in the Australian film Crocodile Dundee in 1986, passed away “peacefully” at the age of 90. The news was confirmed by Crocosaurus Cove, the zoo in Darwin, where Burt had resided since 2008. “He was truly unique,” park officials said. “It wasn't just a crocodile, it was a force of nature, a symbol of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures.”
Burt became famous for the scene in which he attacks American journalist Sue Charlton, played by Linda Kozlowski, by holding on to her water bottle, before being fought off by the iconic Mick Dundee, played by Paul Hogan. This moment marked the beginning of an unlikely big-screen romance and a $300 million-plus box office hit.
The sequence uses footage of Burt “jumping out of the water,” as Penny Priest, general manager of Crocosaurus Cove, explained to Australia's ABC. “He wasn't in the whole scene, but that's where his career began.” After the success of Crocodile DundeeBurt remained in the spotlight by attending public events and becoming an oracle for predicting sports and election outcomes.
Captured in the 1980s in a stream, Burt measured over 5 meters long. This specimen was one of many representatives of a species which, according to Australian government data, numbers over 100,000 individuals in the coasts, rivers and swamps of the north of the country. Saltwater crocodiles can reach lengths of more than six meters and weigh more than a ton.
With his passing, Burt leaves a void in the hearts of Australian cinema and wildlife enthusiasts.
