Burt, the crocodile from ‘Crocodile Dundee’, dies in reptile habitat

On By Littum

The crocodile that starred in the 1986 comedy film “Crocodile Dundee” has died.

Burt’s passing was announced by staff at Crocosaurus Cove, a reptile attraction and habitat in Darwin, Australia, where Burt had lived since 2008.

A saltwater crocodile estimated by Crocosaurus Cove staff to be over 90 years old, Burt was best known for starring alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the 1980s cult hit comedy film that eventually spawned two sequels.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,” Crocosaurus Cove staff wrote in a post on Instagram.

‘One of a kind’ crocodile

Crocosaurus Cove staff described Burt as a “fierce and fascinating ambassador” for the species.

“Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years on a crocodile farm,” the wildlife center wrote. “His fiery temper earned him the respect of his keepers and visitors alike as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

Burt was captured in the 1980s near the Reynolds River in Australia, the zoo said.

In 1986, he appeared in Peter Faiman’s story about an American reporter (Kozlowski) who meets Hogan’s eponymous Australian outdoorsman and brings him to New York City. Burt’s main screen role came as a crocodile that attacks Koslowski’s character along a riverbank before she is rescued by Hogan.

The movie was one herethat grossed around $328 million at the box office, made a star out of Hogan and eventually spawned two sequels.

“While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and loved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote.

The reptile attraction said it planned to honor Burt with a plaque.

Max Hauptman is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected].