He measured 5m48 and weighed 1 ton: Cassius, the largest captive crocodile in the world, is dead

The largest crocodile known in captivity has died. The animal measured 5m48 and weighed a ton, but its health had declined since mid-October.

This resident of the Green Island nature reserve, near the tourist town of Cairns, in Queensland, was nicknamed Cassius. Cassius was at least a hundred years old, his age is estimated between 120 and 150 years, he was the joy of the Marineland Melanasia Crocodile Habitat. Cassius, a saltwater crocodile, held the Guinness World Record title for the world's largest crocodile in captivity.

The park announced his death on its Facebook page, reports Sky News. “He was more than just a crocodile, he was a cherished member of our family and brought joy and companionship to his best friend George for over 37 years,” writes the park which pays him a beautiful tribute. George Graig was the founder of the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat, but he left the park to go to a retirement home in early October. Fifteen days later, Cassius' health began to decline.