Burt, Reptilian Star of ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ Dies at More Than 90 Years Old

As I reflect on the life of Burt, the Saltwater crocodile who stole our hearts with his rugged charm and unforgettable presence, I can’t help but feel a sense of profound admiration for this magnificent creature. Born in the wilds of Australia, he lived out an incredible era, becoming not just a simple reptile, but a symbol of strength, resilience, and raw beauty.

Burt, renowned for his role as the scaly hero in the iconic 1980s film “Crocodile Dundee,” passed away at an estimated age of 90.

It was reported by the Australian reptile park Crocosaurus Cove that Burt, a crocodile residing there, had passed away during his later years.

I deeply mourn the peaceful departure of Burt, the legendary Saltwater crocodile and the captivating star from the timeless Australian tale, Crocodile Dundee. In a post on Instagram, they shared this heartfelt announcement, signaling the close of an extraordinary chapter in our lives. Estimated to be over 90 years old, Burt leaves behind an unforgettable legacy.

1986 saw the release of “Crocodile Dundee,” a movie featuring Paul Hogan as an adventurous Australian crocodile hunter. This fish-out-of-water tale, set in New York, was a massive hit and is among Australia’s top-earning films. Two more installments, “Crocodile Dundee II” and “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles,” were produced subsequently.

In August 1986, EbMaster commented on the initial release of the movie, mentioning that Paramount Pictures had hesitated about the film’s title because they feared audiences might mistake it for a movie about animals instead of people. Interestingly, “Crocodile” in the title doesn’t refer to a reptile but is actually Hogan’s character’s nickname. After examining 250 alternative titles, Paramount ultimately decided to maintain the original name. However, they distributed the movie globally with quotation marks around “Crocodile” – though this didn’t end up sticking in the long run.

Read the full statement from Crocosaurus Cove below:

With profound regret, we share the news of Burt, the renowned Saltwater crocodile and beloved character from the timeless Australian film Crocodile Dundee, having passed away. Burt took his final peaceful breaths over the weekend, believed to be well over ninety years old, signaling the close of an extraordinary chapter in our history.

Burt’s life narrative embodies power, adaptability, and a character as vibrant as the North itself. In the 1980s, he was discovered in Reynolds River and soon gained global recognition, starring in Crocodile Dundee and contributing to Australia’s reputation as a land of untamed natural splendor and captivating wildlife.

2008 saw Burt journey to Crocosaurus Cove, where he stood out as a passionate and captivating advocate for crocodile knowledge. Renowned for his self-reliant character, Burt was unattached – a trait he openly displayed during his time at a crocodile breeding facility. His bold demeanor won the admiration of both his caretakers and visitors, reflecting the wild and untamed essence of the saltwater crocodile.

Burt stood out as truly exceptional, not just any ordinary crocodile. He embodied the raw power and grandeur of these magnificent creatures, serving as a testament to their might. Although his character could be tough, it was precisely this quality that made him so distinctive and cherished by those who interacted with him and the multitude who came to see him throughout the years. Visitors from far and wide were captivated by his imposing stature and dominant aura, particularly during feeding times.

The crew at Crocosaurus Cove express gratitude to all who came to honor Burt and share in his life celebration. While we feel the sorrow of his passing, we’re reminded of the crucial part that wildlife plays in our collective past and the necessity of safeguarding it for generations to come.

We intend to pay tribute to Burt’s memory by installing a memorial plaque at the attraction, highlighting his remarkable life and the tales and connections he created during his tenure at the park.

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2024-12-23 16:46