Crocodile Dundee Croc Burt dies in Australia

The crocodile that starred in the hit 1980s film “Crocodile Dundee” has died in Australia.

Burt, who was believed to be in his 90s, appeared in the 1986 film alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski.

News of his death was confirmed by staff at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, a reptile and aquarium attraction where Burt had lived since 2008.

In a statement posted on InstagramThe wildlife center wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Burt, the legendary saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee.”

“Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be in his 90s, marking the end of an incredible era.”

In the film, the character Mick Dundee (Hogan) swaps the Australian outback for the jungles of New York after meeting American reporter Sue Charlton (Kozlowski), who eventually falls in love with him.

The crocodile is famously seen in the scene where Kozlowski’s character is attacked while kneeling next to a stream.

Burt, who was captured in the Reynolds River in the Northern Territory in the 1980s, was described by Crocasourus Cove as a “courageous” character.

“Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude that was clearly evident in his earlier years on a crocodile farm,” the center’s statement continued.

“His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his handlers 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.”

“Although his personality could be challenging, that was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.”

The statement concluded: “Visitors from around the world marveled at its impressive size and commanding presence, particularly at feeding time.”

It is not uncommon for saltwater crocodiles to live past 70 years, especially in captivity.

Burt will be honored with a memorial plaque at the attraction.

Crocodile Dundee remains the highest-grossing Australian film of all time, grossing $47,707,598 (Australian dollars).

There were also two sequels, “Crocodile Dundee II” from 1988 and “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles” from 2001.

Hogan and Kozlowski married in 1990 but later divorced.

A documentary about the making of the film is expected to be released next year.