Image: Cassius had been in declining health since 15 October. Pic: Reuters

World's largest captive crocodile dies aged 110

· Sky News

The world's largest captive crocodile has died in Australia.

He was thought to be more than 110 years old.

Cassius, the 5.48m (18ft) reptile, also weighed over a ton.

Image: Pic: Reuters

He had lived in a wildlife sanctuary on Green Island near the Queensland tourist town of Cairns in Australia for more than 37 years, according to the sanctuary's Facebook post.

The Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat said he had been in declining health since 15 October.

Sharing a post of Cassius enjoying a meal in his prime, they wrote: "He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild Croc."

Cassius originated in the neighbouring Northern Territory, where crocodiles are a key part of the region's tourist industry, the post said.

"Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever," it added.

Facebook This content is provided by Facebook, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Facebook cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Facebook cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Facebook cookies for this session only.
Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once

A saltwater crocodile, Cassius had held the Guinness World Records title as the world's largest crocodile in captivity.

He took the title after the death of Philippines crocodile Lolong in 2013, who measured 6.17m long (20ft 3in) according to the annual reference book.