World’s largest captive crocodile dies aged 110

The world’s largest captive crocodile has died in Australia.

He was thought to be more than 110 years old.

Cassius, the 5.48m (18ft) reptile, also weighed over a ton.

He had lived in a wildlife sanctuary on Green Island near the Queensland tourist town of Cairns in Australia for more than 37 years, according to the sanctuary’s Facebook post.

The Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat said he had been in declining health since 15 October.

Sharing a post of Cassius enjoying a meal in his prime, they wrote: “He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild Croc.”

Cassius originated in the neighbouring Northern Territory, where crocodiles are a key part of the region’s tourist industry, the post said.

“Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever,” it added.

A saltwater crocodile, Cassius had held the Guinness World Records title as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity.

He took the title after the death of Philippines crocodile Lolong in 2013, who measured 6.17m long (20ft 3in) according to the annual reference book.