Burt, saltwater reptile star of ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at over 90 years old

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FILE - Paul Hogan carrying a deceased crocodile in a bar in a scene from the film "Crocodile Dundee" in 1986. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

DARWIN, Australia - Burt, the saltwater crocodile who starred alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the 1980s film "Crocodile Dundee," has died in Australia.

Burt’s death was confirmed by Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, located in Australia’s Northern Territory and home to many saltwater crocodiles. The reptile was thought to be over 90 years old, according to the aquarium. 

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee," Crocosaurus Cove wrote on Sunday on its Instagram page. 

It added that Burt "passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era."

The crocodile was first captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most recognized crocodiles in the world after appearing in the 1986 movie "Crocodile Dundee."

In the film, Kozlowski starred as a New York reporter who heads to Australia to interview a daring crocodile hunter, played by Hogan, and invites him to New York City. It became one of Australia’s highest-grossing films and inspired two sequels: "Crocodile Dundee II" (1988) and "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" (2001).

The aquarium wrote that Burt’s appearance in the film helped "to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife."

Burt came to Crocosaurus Cove in 2008. 

"Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor—an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm," the statement reads. "His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile."

Burt was ‘one of a kind’

The crocodile’s handlers described Burt as "truly one of a kind." 

"While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years," Crocosaurus Cove wrote. "Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time."

"We plan to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign at the attraction, celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park."