A Hollywood-famous crocodile — best known for his role in the iconic Australian film Crocodile Dundee — has died in his 90s.
Burt, a 5-meter salty, spent his last two decades at Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove aquarium.
He died over the weekend, leaving behind a legacy of fascinating tourists and even serving as a psychic who predicted elections.
But he is best remembered for his brief but iconic appearance in the 80s film Crocodile Dundee, which put Australia on the global map.
The film tells the story of a New York journalist, played by Linda Kozlowski, who makes her way to outback Australia in search of an infamous crocodile hunter, Mick Dundee, played by Paul Hogan.
Flowers were laid at Crocosaurus Cove following Burt’s death. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)
Burt’s instrumental scene terrified audiences, reminding them of the dangers of the outback and of standing a little too close to the water.
“The scene where Linda Kozlowski fills up her water bottle was actually filmed using the motions of Burt and him launching out of the water, obviously he wasn’t in the whole scene, but that was where he made his debut,” Penny Priest, chief executive of Crocosaurus Cove, said.
Ms Priest said that Burt always had Hollywood in his blood, having been named after American actor Burt Reynolds.
“He was a problem croc out at Reynolds River, hence the name Burt,” she said.
“In 1980 he was captured and brought into the crocodile farm.”
It was from this farm that the reptile was scouted for his infamous Crocodile Dundee role.
Predicting elections and meeting VIPS
Since his high-flying movie star days, Burt sunk his teeth into a new career as a psychic.
He predicted federal and territory elections, along with sporting events such as State of Origin and the soccer World Cup.
Admittedly the 700-kilogram reptile didn’t always get it right, including an incorrect pick ahead of the 2019 federal election.
Psychic crocodile Burt incorrectly predicted the result of the 2019 federal election. (Supplied: NT News/Katrina Bridgeford)
Ms Priest said Burt met a whole range of VIPs while in Darwin.
“We had Karl Stefanovic feed him once … he’s done a number of live crosses … and also in the early days, he did some cage dives with the likes of the [Brisbane} Broncos [NRL team] when they came to town,” she said.
The cage of death is one of Crocosaurus Cove’s key attractions. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)
Ms Priest added that Burt had a big personality.
“Burt was a force of nature, he was one of a kind and had a great personality,” she said.
“He was always a bit cheeky and tried to steal the feed pole off me.”
While Burt’s death has left staff and locals grieving the loss of an Australian legend, they say his life was well lived.
“[Burt showed visitors] why crocodiles are just so majestic and just the way that they are,” Ms Priest said.
“He’s been a great addition to us, to be able to educate people about how to be safe when they’re out and experiencing the Top End.”