Burt the reptile from ‘Crocodile Dundee’ dead at 90
A beloved star from “Crocodile Dundee” has died.
Burt, the reptilian who appeared alongside Paul Hogan in the 1986 film, passed away after living for more than 90 years.
Australian crocodile park Crocosaurus Cove, where Burt lived in his final years of life, announced the news.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,” the attraction wrote on Instagram Sunday.
“Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era,” the statement added.
Burt became famous from Peter Faiman’s 1986 film that starred Hogan, 85, as the brave Australian crocodile hunter Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee.
The film became Australia’s highest-grossing movie at the time of its release. It spawned two sequels, 1988’s “Crocodile Dundee II” and 2001’s “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.”
Hogan reprised his role for both sequels. However, neither movie achieved the same success that the first film had.
“Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience and a personality as bold as the Top End itself,” Crocosaurus Cove said, while reflecting on the late crocodile’s history.
“Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife,” the statement continued.
The zoo added that Burt arrived there in 2008 and “became a fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education.”
“Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor — an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” the park explained. “His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”
“Burt was truly one of a kind. He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures,” Crocosaurus Cove said. “While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years. Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.”
The attraction thanked visitors who came to see Burt over the years and said that the beloved crocodile’s death reminded them “of the vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.”
“We plan to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign at the attraction, celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park,” the statement concluded.
