The crocodile that appeared in the 1986 comedy “Crocodile Dundee” has died.

Burt’s death was announced by staff at Crocosaurus Cove, a reptile attraction and habitat in Darwin, Australia, where Burt had lived since 2008.

Burt is a saltwater crocodile estimated by Crocosaurus Cove staff to be over 90 years old. He is best known for his starring roles alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the 1980s cult comedy, which eventually spawned two sequels.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the legendary saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,” Crocosaurus Cove staff wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Unique” crocodile

Crocosaurus Cove staff described Burt as a “fierce and fascinating ambassador” for the species.

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“Burt was known for his independence and was a confirmed bachelor, an attitude he clearly expressed in his earlier years on a crocodile farm,” the wildlife center wrote. “His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his handlers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

Burt was captured near the Reynolds River in Australia in the 1980s, the zoo said.

In 1986, he appeared in Peter Faiman’s story of an American reporter (Kozlowski) who meets Hogan’s eponymous Australian nature lover and brings him to New York City. Burt’s main on-screen star role was a crocodile who attacks Koslowski’s character on a river bank before being rescued by Hogan.

The film was a hit, grossing around $328 million at the box office, making Hogan a star and eventually spawning two sequels.

“Although 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.

The reptile attraction said it wanted to honor Burt with a memorial plaque.

Max Hauptman is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected].