On Sunday, December 23, a spokesperson for Crocosaurus Cove Darwin wrote a sorrowful Facebook post revealing that the over-five-meter-long crocodile had “passed away peacefully” during the weekend. Burt had been living at the Australian attraction since 2008.

The Independent reported that Burt was approximately 90 years old and weighed 700 kg. Darwin described Burt’s death as “the end of an incredible era.”

“Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognized crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife,” according to a Facebook post.

According to the BBC, the film starring Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski is still the highest-grossing Australian film ever.

A representative for the Darwin park stated that “fierce and fascinating” Burt spent his final years educating people about crocodiles. They claimed he earned admiration for his “fiery temperament” while retaining “the raw, untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

“Burt was one of a kind.” He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a natural force, serving as a reminder of the strength and grandeur of these great creatures,” the Facebook post said. The statement further disclosed that his “challenging” nature was what made him “memorable and beloved.”

“The Crocosaurus Cove staff would want to thank everyone who came to see Burt and helped celebrate his incredible life. “As we mourn his passing, we are reminded of the critical role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations,” the message added.

Darwin will erect a commemorative sign at Crocosaurus Cove to remember Burt and their joint heritage.

Marie-Clare Boothby, Minister for Parks and Wildlife, paid tribute to the crocodile during a media briefing on Monday, according to the US Sun.

“[Burt was] a true icon of the Territory,” she told me.