Australia is home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world, including the saltwater crocodile. One of the questions that comes up with these ancient creatures is how old is the oldest crocodile in Australia? This article goes deep into the life of these amazing animals, focusing on the oldest captive crocodile, Cassius and what makes him a world star.
The Oldest Crocodile in Australia
The largest crocodile in captivity in Australia is Cassius who lives at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Park on Green Island, Queensland. Over 110 years old, Cassius has been the main attraction at the park since 1984. 5.48m (17’ 11”) long he holds the Guinness World Record for the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity.
Cassius was caught in the Northern Territory after becoming a problem croc on a cattle station. His massive size and gnarly crocodile features, including scars from boat propeller battles, tell the story of his long and tough life in the wild.
How Crocodiles Live So Long
Crocodiles like Cassius live so long due to their special biology. Crocodile researchers and wildlife experts use various methods to estimate their age including analysing growth rings in bones, like the femur bone. Growth rings are like tree rings and give insight into the crocodile’s life history.
Factors that contribute to crocodile longevity:
- Slow Metabolism: allows them to conserve energy and go without food for long periods.
- Robust Physiology: protects against injuries and disease.
- Adaptation to Habitat: can thrive in many environments from the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory to Papua New Guinea’s mangroves.
Cassius: A Record Breaker
Cassius’s story is one of survival and resilience. His size and age make him a giant crocodile, a crowd pleaser at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Park. The park’s caretakers, including Brendan Radke, have a special bond with this old croc and look after him well.
Other famous crocodiles:
- Lolong, the largest crocodile ever measured, from the Philippines.
- Gustave, the legendary Nile crocodile from South Africa, known for attacking people.
Captivity vs Wild: Longevity Differences
In the wild crocodiles face many challenges from other wild crocs to boat propellers in populated waterways. In captivity it’s a safer environment with a consistent food supply and medical care. But even in captivity crocodiles like Cassius still have their wild instincts and are both fascinating and fearsome.
Visiting Cassius: A Unique Experience
You can see Cassius at Marineland Melanesia on the beautiful Aussie island of Green Island. The park is a safe haven for Australian saltwater crocodiles and offers educational crocodile tours about their behaviour, history and conservation.
Nearby Tour Destinations to Visit
Australia has not only ancient giants like Cassius but also jumping crocodiles. Along the Adelaide River you can see these powerful predators jump out of the water to feed during Darwin crocodile tour. These encounters give you a chance to see the sheer strength and agility of saltwater crocodiles. This natural behaviour shows their hunting skills as they use their massive tails to launch themselves out of the water, often reaching heights that will leave you in awe. These Kakadu Darwin tours not only show their incredible physical ability but also educate you about the importance of their habitat and how to respect them in the wild.
Famous Crocodiles Around the World
Australia isn’t the only place where big crocodiles get the public’s attention. Other notable crocodiles are:
- Hughie Saus, a crocodile from LaBelle Station.
- A 5.5-metre croc reported by Fox News Digital for its size and history.
- The ancient residents of Bear Island where crocodiles lived alongside the local community.
Conclusion
Cassius the record breaking crocodile is a living example of the Australian crocodile’s ability to survive. Over 100 years old he is a symbol of nature’s durability and adaptability. See him on Green Island and connect with one of the world’s most amazing creatures while learning about their place in Australian history.
For a more guided experience book 4 day Kakadu tours with Autopia Tours who offer trips that showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Their itineraries are designed so you don’t miss the best bits and will give you valuable insights into Australia’s amazing landscapes.
FAQs
How old is Cassius the oldest crocodile in Australia?
Cassius is over 110 years old, the oldest known captive crocodile in Australia.
Where is the biggest crocodile in Australia?
The largest crocodile in captivity in Australia is Cassius who lives at Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Park on Green Island, Queensland.
Why do crocodiles live so long?
Crocodiles have a slow metabolism, robust body and can adapt to many environments which contributes to their long life.
How do researchers calculate a crocodile’s age?
Crocodile researchers use bone analysis to study growth rings like tree rings to determine age.
What do crocodiles face in the wild?
In the wild crocodiles face boat propellers, habitat loss, other adult crocodiles and human activity.