Burt, the iconic Australian crocodile who captured global attention with a cameo in the 1986 hit movie Crocodile Dundee, has passed away at the impressive age of 90. His death was announced over the weekend by Crocosaurus Cove, a reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, where Burt had lived since 2008.
Burt wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a living legend. With his fiery temper, commanding presence, and independent nature, he left an indelible mark on those who visited him over the years. Crocosaurus Cove paid tribute to him in a heartfelt message, calling him “a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures.” They noted that while his personality could be challenging, it was precisely this spirited nature that made him so beloved by staff and visitors alike.
Known as a saltwater crocodile, Burt measured over 5 meters (16 feet) in length and was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River. He spent his earlier years at a crocodile farm, where he earned a reputation for his strong-willed and solitary personality, becoming known as a “confirmed bachelor.” In the decades that followed, Burt became one of the most famous crocodiles in the world, thrilling thousands of visitors with his formidable presence.
Burt’s Hollywood moment came in Crocodile Dundee, where he appeared briefly lunging out of the water during a dramatic scene. In the film, Paul Hogan stars as the rugged Mick Dundee, who saves American journalist Sue Charlton (played by Linda Kozlowski) after a crocodile attacks her as she fills her canteen at a watering hole. Although Burt’s cameo was brief, his on-screen presence contributed to the film’s memorable depiction of the wild and untamed Australian outback.
Interestingly, while Burt played a pivotal role in the scene, the creature shown in more detail as Dundee rescues Sue was reportedly not a crocodile at all. According to the Internet Movie Database, the production accidentally depicted an American alligator, distinguishable by its shorter snout—a minor “movie goof” that didn’t detract from Burt’s moment of fame.
Since moving to Crocosaurus Cove in 2008, Burt became a central figure at the aquarium, which is known for its daring “Cage of Death” experience, allowing visitors to dive with crocodiles in a safe enclosure. The aquarium has announced plans to honor Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign celebrating his extraordinary life and the countless stories and memories he inspired.
Burt’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of Australia’s most extraordinary crocodiles lives on. Whether through his Hollywood cameo or his decades of mesmerizing visitors, Burt remains a symbol of the wild beauty and power of nature.
