Cassius (crocodile)
Cassius is a male saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) who was previously recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest crocodile in captivity in 2011.[1] The animal measures 5.48 m (18 ft 0 in) in length, weighs approximately 2,200 lb (998 kg) and is estimated to be more than 110 years old. 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)[2] saltwater crocodile caught in the southern Philippines. Cassius again holds the record since Lolong's death in 2013.[3]
Species | Crocodylus porosus (Saltwater crocodile) |
---|---|
Sex | Male |
Known for | Guinness World Record "world's largest crocodile in captivity" |
The crocodile, missing the tip of his snout, his left front leg, and the tip of his tail, is named after Cassius Clay, the birth name of boxer Muhammad Ali.
Capture
Cassius was known as a problem animal which attacked boats in the Northern Territory's Finniss River and was captured in 1984.[4] 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).[5]
References
- "Largest crocodile in captivity (living)". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
- 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.
- "The world's oldest crocodile celebrates his 112th birthday in style". breakingnews.ie. 28 May 2015. 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.