The death of Burt, the saltwater crocodile seen in the 1986 hit film Crocodile Dundee, marks the "end of an incredible era."
This is according to Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, Australia, in a statement issued on December 23, 2024, announcing the passing of the reptilian star estimated to be at least 90 years old.
"Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience, and a personality as bold as the Top End itself," the statement reads.
The "Top End" refers to the northernmost region of Australia's Northern Territory, where Burt was captured in the Reynolds River during the 1980s.
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"Burt became one of the most recognized 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."
Burt, who measured over 16 feet from nose to tail and weighed more than 1,500 pounds, had been residing at Crocosaurus Cove, where he became one of the main attractions and "a fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education" since 2008.
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A BONA FIDE FILM STAR
Burt gained fame after he starred in the movie Crocodile Dundee top-billed by Paul Hogan, who played the crocodile hunter Mick Dundee, and Linda Kozlowski, who portrayed a reporter named Sue Charlton.
The character Mick Dundee was inspired by Rod Ansell, a cattle grazier and buffalo hunter renowned for surviving 56 days in the harsh, remote wilderness of Australia's Northern Territory.
Viewers fondly remember Burt, named after American actor Burt Reynolds, for the iconic scene in which he attempts to attack Sue before being saved by Mick.
Crocodile Dundee became a worldwide hit and remains the highest-grossing film of all time in Australia.
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LIFE AFTER CROCODILE DUNDEE
Burt's brush with fame did not end after the worldwide success of Crocodile Dundee.
The temperamental crocodile was used as a visual effects model for the 2007 horror movie Rogue, which tells the story of a giant saltwater crocodile terrorizing tourists.
Burt also ventured into psychic predictions and made headlines in 2018 after accurately forecasting France's victory over Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
He made his accurate prediction by biting a French flag over a Croatian flag, each adorned with a chicken wing of the same size and color.
Because of this, he was dubbed the "Psychic Croc" by a local newspaper.
As a tribute to Burt, Crocosaurus Cove announced plans to erect a commemorative sign celebrating his extraordinary life and legacy.