A Life of Adventure and Devotion
George Craig, the famous crocodile hunter, has left us at the age of 94, just two weeks after his loyal companion, Cassius the saltwater crocodile, passed away at the remarkable age of 110.
Their bond was unlike any other, a true testament to the deep connection that can form between humans and animals.
Cassius: The Notorious Man-Eater with a Soft Spot
Cassius, known for causing trouble in his earlier years, was captured in 1984 near a cattle station on the Finniss River in Australia’s Northern Territory. Estimated to be between 30 and 80 years old at the time, he went on to set the record as the largest crocodile ever captured alive in Australia. After his capture, Cassius was moved to Green Island, where he lived a life of luxury with Craig, celebrating his birthdays with chicken “cake.”
A Bond That Defied Odds
The relationship between Craig and Cassius was, in the words of crocodile expert Professor Graeme Webb, “absolutely odd.” Cassius would often “bolt out of the water” to greet Craig, a display of affection that was both remarkable and endearing. Craig’s caretakers described the pair as “equals” and “mates,” a bond that only grew stronger with time.
George Craig: A Life of Adventure and Passion
Born to English parents in Peru on July 10, 1930, Craig’s life was marked by adventure and intrigue. During World War II, he was in London, where a 500lb bomb even landed on his street, miraculously failing to explode. He later went on to have a stint blowing up ordnance for the Royal Australian Air Force before becoming a crocodile hunter in Australia’s North Territory in 1951.
From Hunter to Conservationist
Craig’s passion for crocodiles eventually led him to open a trading post with his wife, where they trapped and kept live crocodiles instead of killing them. This marked a turning point in his life, as he developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the animals. In 1971, he moved his family, three monster crocodiles, and 30 smaller juvenile beasts to Green Island, where he established Marineland Melanesia, a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures.
Cassius: The Star Attraction
Cassius became an integral part of Marineland Melanesia, holding the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest saltwater crocodile in captivity. He was a gentle giant, with a spark in his eyes that captivated all who met him. His caretakers remembered him as having “big eyes that you’d look into and you could look into his soul.” Craig and Cassius’s bond continued to grow, with the pair sitting quietly together for hours on end, even in Craig’s later years when he relied on a mobility scooter.
A Legacy That Will Live On
As we say goodbye to George Craig and his beloved Cassius, we remember their incredible story, one of adventure, passion, and devotion. Their bond will forever be etched in our hearts, a testament to the power of the human spirit and the wonders of the natural world. Rest in peace, George and Cassius. Your legacy will live on in our hearts forever.