Burt (crocodile)

Burt
SpeciesCrocodylus porosus
SexMale
BornNorthern Territory, Australia
Died21–22 December 2024
Crocosaurus Cove, Northern Territory, Australia
Known forCrocodile Dundee
Weight700 kg (1,543 lb)
Named afterBurt Reynolds

Burt (c. 1934 – December 2024) was an Australian saltwater crocodile that starred in the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee. He died in December 2024, estimated to be at least 90 years old.[1][2]

Burt was named after Burt Reynolds, and he was cast in Crocodile Dundee a few years after being captured in the wild from the Reynolds River in Australia's Northern Territory.[3] Burt appears in a scene where American journalist Sue Charlton (portrayed by Linda Kozlowski) is saved by Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) during a crocodile attack.[4]

Burt also served as the visual effects model in the 2007 Australian film Rogue.[4] From 2008, he lived at Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile sanctuary in Darwin, where he attempted to predict election results. Staff there noted his "fiery temperament".[5] In 2018, he gained media attention for accurately predicting France's victory over Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final by biting a French flag over a Croatian flag. The flags, which had chicken wings attached, were the same size and colour.[4][6] He was dubbed the "Psychic Croc" by Northern Territory News.[6] He had previously incorrectly predicted that Australia would win against France during their 2018 group-stage match.[7]

Burt died at Crocosaurus Cove on the weekend of 21–22 December 2024. The sanctuary described him as a "fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education" and stated they would erect a commemorative sign in his honour. Burt's precise age at death is unknown, as he was captured in the 1980s at an indeterminate age.[8] Experts estimate that he was likely nearing 100 years old.[8][9] He was measured to be 5 metres long and weighed 700 kilograms.[10]

References

  1. ^ Yossman, K. J. (23 December 2024). "Burt, Reptilian Star of 'Crocodile Dundee,' Dies at More Than 90 Years Old". Variety. Archived from the original on 23 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  2. ^ Saad, Nardine (23 December 2024). "Burt, the hot-tempered croc from 'Crocodile Dundee,' dies at 90". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  3. ^ Newey, Sarah (23 December 2024). "Tributes paid to Crocodile Dundee star with 'challenging personality'". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Pulver, Andrew (23 December 2024). "Burt, the giant crocodile from Crocodile Dundee, dies aged 90". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  5. ^ Saunders, Emma (23 December 2024). "The crocodile from Crocodile Dundee dies in Australia". BBC News. Archived from the original on 23 December 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  6. ^ a b Aisthorpe, Judith (15 July 2018). "Burt the Psychic Croc was right again as he tipped France to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup". Northern Territory News. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  7. ^ Roberts, Lauren (15 June 2018). "Burt, the Psychic Croc predicts huge Aussie upset at World Cup". Northern Territory News. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  8. ^ a b Hale, Tom (24 December 2024). "Burt, A Gigantic Crocodile And Beloved 80s Movie Star, Has Died". IFLScience. Retrieved 25 December 2024.
  9. ^ Atta, Grace (23 December 2024). "Celebrity crocodile Burt, of Crocodile Dundee fame, dies at Crocosaurus Cove". ABC News. Archived from the original on 23 December 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
  10. ^ Perry, Nick (24 December 2024). "Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in 'Crocodile Dundee,' dies at 90". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved 25 December 2024.