Burt (crocodile)
Australian crocodile (died 2024)
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Burt (c. 1920s or 1930s – December 2024) was an Australian saltwater crocodile who appeared in the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee. He died in December 2024, estimated to be at least 90 years old.[1][2]
Crocosaurus Cove, Northern Territory, Australia
Burt in 2024 | |
| Species | Crocodylus porosus |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Hatched | Northern Territory, Australia |
| Died | 21–22 December 2024 Crocosaurus Cove, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Known for | Crocodile Dundee |
| Weight | 700 kg (1,543 lb) |
| Named after | Burt Reynolds |
Burt was named after Burt Reynolds. 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 staff noted his "fiery temperament".[5] In 2018, he was used in an attempt to predict the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia.[4] Burt was presented with flags with chicken wings attached, which were the same size and colour.[4][6] Burt first bit the French flag, and France later won the match, leading to him being dubbed the "Psychic Croc" by Northern Territory News.[6] Burt had previously been used in an incorrect prediction that Australia would defeat France during their group match at the same tournament.[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 (16 ft) long and weighed 700 kilograms (1,543 lb).[10]