World's oldest crocodile Cassius – famous for Australian boat rampage – dies aged 120

After living an infamous life of attacking boats and stalking cows, the world's oldest crocodile has passed away, with the semiaquatic reptile, reaching an impressive age of 120

The world's oldest crocodile, who spent his life terrorizing boats in Australia, has died at the age of approximately 120.

Cassius, who was a terrifying, 18ft long and weighed more than a ton, lived in the Finniss River, southwest of Darwin, in the Northern Territory, where he chased cattle and jumped up at the odd tourist boat passing through.

After a lengthy spell in the wild, in 1987, the crocodile was captured and moved to Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat on Green Island off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, where he became a local celebrity, mesmerizing crowds with his elegance.

During his life, Cassius, who was partially missing his tale, right leg and part of his snout, got to be the star attraction for many a tourist who visited his man-made habitat.

Alas, last month, the animal's health took a turn for the worse. On October 15, his carers noticed the decline, which ultimately resulted in his passing.

The sanctuary issued a heartfelt statement on Facebook, that read: "He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild Croc. Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever."

On October 14, the apex predator received a visit from Professor Sally Isberg of the Centre Crocodile Research, and received a thorough health check, that concluded that he was well..

Sadly, this wasn't the case, and several days later he started declining food. According to The New Zealand Herald, on November 2, he was found dead in his enclosure.

Tributes are flooding in for Cassius, who spent 37 years in captivity, with his captor, George Craig, remembering him as a 'sweetheart'. In addition, one of his former keepers, Toody Scott, who's Craig's grandson told AAP: "He had these big eyes that you’d look into and you could look into his soul."

Discussing his grandfather's relationship with the crocodile, the wildlife expert explained: “They did have a close bond.

“George would quietly sit with Cassius for hours on end.

“In the last couple of years, George has been getting around on a mobility scooter and every time he came near the enclosure, Cassius would come over to him.”

The saltwater crocodile held the Guinness World Record as the largest of his species in captivity. Furthermore, many believed him to be the oldest crocodile in the world. However, there is no way for scientists to know his age with 100% certainty.