When talking about crocodiles, fame is the last thing on many people’s minds. But that is exactly what this Australian crocodile had. The crocodile, named after American actor Burt Reynolds, was found in the Reynolds River in 1980, giving a clue to the reasoning behind his name. It was captured and taken to a crocodile farm from where it became arguably the most famous crocodile in the world.
Rise to fame
Burt rose to fame when he starred in the 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee. The film by Peter Fairman was so popular that to date, it remains the highest grossing Australian film of all time. It grossed over 47 million Australian dollars. Besides that, the film went on to spawn 2 sequels. The first one was in 1988 with Crocodile Dundee II and the second one was in 2001 with Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.
In the film, an American reporter, acted by Linda Kozlowski, meets an Australian outdoors man, played by Paul Hogan, and makes him swap the Aussie outback for the Big Apple New York. Burt could be seen attacking Kozlowski while she knelt next to a creek and Hogan rushed to save her.
Burt was not done with his quest for fame just yet as many years later in 2007, he was the visual effects model for the Australian film Rogue.
Psychic stint
Besides his fame on screen, Burt got another lease on life in the public eye when he tried his psychic skills. He was used to predict federal and territory elections in Australia. He was also used to predict sporting events, the most famous of all being the FIFA World Cup.
Granted he got some of his predictions right, but he also got some wrong. For instance, he was able to accurately predict that the French world cup team would lift the trophy in the 2018 final against Croatia. However, he had gotten it wrong earlier in the same tournament when he incorrectly predicted that Australia would beat France in the group stages.
Life at Crocosaurus Cove
Easily one of the most recognized crocodiles in the world, Burt was taken to the reptile aquarium Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin, Australia where visitors could watch him as he entertained them. Known for his fiery temper, Burt was what officials at the Crocosaurus Cove called a very independent and confirmed bachelor.
This is a little unlike his co-stars in Crocodile Dundee, Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski who went on to get married 4 years after their movie in 1986. They got married in 1990 but later divorced.
Burt seemed to have settled in well at his home and loved all the attention he was getting from the officials and visitors alike. This could be seen in the longevity of his life. Whereas the average life expectancy of a saltwater crocodile is around 70 years of age, Burt was able to surpass that by more than 2 decades as he was thought to be more than 90 years old when he passed away around December 22, 2024. He was 16 feet, 8 inches and he weighed 1500 pounds.
For those struggling to see the importance of it all and wondering what the hullaballoo is regarding Burt, his fame was used for good as he became one of the leading ambassadors for crocodile education and was used to advance those causes. Through him, many got to learn about the species.
Commemorative plaque
Given his fame and his prominence, Burt met many VIPs. And in true star fashion, the popular crocodile will be honored with a commemorating plaque.
Burt may not have left behind a family, but he was able to leave behind lots of cherished memories for many, and he will be dearly missed by those who took care of him and those who loved watching him at the crocodile aquarium and on screen all over the world.
In addition, he was able to raise awareness and draw attention to the welfare of crocodiles. He may not have known it, but he definitely left a mark in the crocodile world.
If ever there was a crocodile that had an interesting life, then it has to be Burt, without a doubt.