Burt, the giant crocodile from the classic 1986 film Crocodile Dundee starring Paul Hogan has died. Crocosaurus Cove, the Australian reptile park where Burt lived in his final years, announced his death on social media.

“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 wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the reptile. “Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be in his 90s, marking the end of an incredible era.”

Starring Hogan as an aged Mick Dundee and Linda Kozlowski as reporter Sue Charlton. Crocodile Dundee was inspired by the real-life exploits of Rod Ansell, an Australian rancher and buffalo hunter. The film, made on a budget of less than $10 million, was the highest-grossing film of all time in Australia upon its release on April 30, 1986. It subsequently became the second highest-grossing film in the United States. When it was released in theaters on September 26, 1986, it was the highest-grossing film of all time and the second highest-grossing film worldwide that year.

“Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience and a personality as brave as the Top End itself,” the park continued in its Instagram post. “Burt was captured in the Reynolds River in the 1980s and became one of the most famous crocodiles in the world. He appeared in Crocodile Dundee and shaped Australia’s image as a country of raw natural beauty and impressive wildlife.

“In 2008, Burt made his way to Crocosaurus Cove, where he became a passionate and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education. Burt was known for his independence and was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude that was clearly evident in his earlier years on a crocodile farm. 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 truly one of a kind. He wasn’t just a crocodile; He was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. 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. Visitors from around the world marveled at its impressive size and imposing presence, especially at feeding time.

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“The Crocosaurus Cove team would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his remarkable life. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the crucial role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

“We plan to honor Burt’s legacy with a memorial plaque at the attraction and celebrate his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared during his time at the park.”