Cassius (crocodile)
| Species | Crocodylus porosus (Saltwater crocodile) |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Known for | Guinness World Record "world's largest crocodile in captivity" |
Cassius is a male saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) who was previously recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest crocodile in captivity in 2011.[1] The animal measures 5.48 metres (18 ft 0 in) in length, weighs approximately 1,300 kilograms (2,870 lb),[2][3] and is kept at the Marineland Crocodile Park, a zoo on Green Island, Queensland, Australia.
Cassius was officially recognized by Guinness in 2011, but lost the title in 2012 to Lolong, a 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in)[4] saltwater crocodile caught in the southern Philippines. Cassius again holds the record since Lolong's death in 2013.[5]
Crocodile researcher Professor Graeme Webb said that Cassius was "a big old gnarly crocodile" aged between 30 and 80 years old when he was captured in 1984, and was "maybe 120 years" in 2023.[6]
Capture
Cassius was known as a problem animal which attacked boats in the Northern Territory's Finniss River and was captured in 1984.[7] Three years later, he was brought to Green Island by crocodile hunter George Craig, who had opened Marineland Melanesia in 1969. At the time of his introduction at the zoo, Cassius measured 5.30 m (17 ft 5 in).[8]
References
- ^ "Largest crocodile in captivity (living)". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ Webb, G. (2019). "Observation of large Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)" (PDF). Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter. 38 (2). IUCN - Species Survival Commission: 12–13.
- ^ "Largest crocodile in captivity (living)". Guinness World Records.
- ^ Ramoso, Emelinda (17 November 2011). ""Lolong" holds world record as largest croc in the world". bmb.gov.ph. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ Nelson, Sara C (12 June 2013). "A Meaty Birthday Treat For Cassius The Crocodile As He Turns 110-Years-Old (PICTURES)". HuffPost UK. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ Cassius the crocodile hits the 120-year milestone on his Green Island home, ABC News, 5 June 2023
- ^ "The world's oldest crocodile celebrates his 112th birthday in style". breakingnews.ie. 28 May 2015. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- ^ "Cassius, the world's largest crocodile, celebrates 110th birthday with 20kg MEAT cake". Yahoo News UK. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2018.