Burt, the crocodile from 'Crocodile Dundee,' dies in reptile habitat; estimated over 90 years old

The crocodile who appeared in the 1986 comedy film "Crocodile Dundee" has died.

The passing of Burt was announced by the staff at Crocosaurus Cove, a reptile attraction and habitat in Darwin, Australia, where Burt had lived since 2008.

A saltwater crocodile estimated by the Crocosaurus Cove staff to be over 90 years old, Burt was best known for starring alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the 1980s cult-hit comedy movie that eventually spawned two sequels.

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

'One of a kind' crocodile

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

"Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor − an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm," the wildlife center wrote. "His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile."

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

In 1986, he appeared in Peter Faiman's story of an American reporter (Kozlowski) who meets Hogan's eponymous Australian outdoorsman and brings him to New York City. Burt's starring turn on the silver screen came as a crocodile who attacks Koslowski's character alongside a riverbank before she is rescued by Hogan.

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

"While 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 planned to honor Burt with a commemorative plaque.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Burt, the crocodile from 'Crocodile Dundee,' dies in reptile habitat