A wildlife sanctuary in Australia has announced the passing of Cassius, the largest crocodile ever held in captivity. Measuring nearly 5.5 meters (about 18 feet) in length and weighing close to one tonne, Cassius was estimated to be over 110 years old, although his exact age remained uncertain. This impressive saltwater crocodile had been residing at the sanctuary on an island off Queensland since his capture in the Northern Territory during the 1980s.

In 2011, Cassius was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest crocodile living in captivity. The Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat expressed their sorrow on social media, describing Cassius as “our beloved mate” and a “cherished member of our family.” Before his time at the sanctuary, Cassius lived in the wild, where he was infamous for preying on cattle and damaging boat propellers before being captured.

George Craig, the founder of the habitat, acquired Cassius in 1987. According to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, he brought immense joy and companionship to Craig for over 37 years. Tragically, after Mr. Craig relocated to Cairns last month, Cassius’s health began to deteriorate rapidly. The sanctuary noted that he was quite elderly and believed to have exceeded the lifespan typical for wild crocodiles.

The habitat also extended their gratitude to all visitors who showed kindness to Cassius throughout his life and mentioned that they might operate on a limited basis for a few days following his death. In other news from Australia, researchers have recently challenged an established thought experiment known as the “infinite monkey theorem.” Meanwhile, England’s cricket team has been eliminated from contention for the World Test Championship, prompting discussions about which teams still have a chance of qualifying and what they need to achieve that goal.