Crocosaurus Cove boss croc Axel dies

One of the largest crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove has passed away.

ONE of the largest and most popular crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove, who was taken into captivity for being a menace, has died.

Axel, affectionately known as Big Boy, the saltwater croc came in at a hefty 900kg and was 5.1m long.

It is believed that he passed away due to old age living well into his 90s.

His condition deteriorated rapidly over the past week with Croc Cove staff working closely with the veterinary team to make him as comfortable as possible.

Axel passed away on Thursday and was safely and respectfully removed from the park on Friday morning.

He was a popular croc for Croc Cove’s Cage of Death encounter in which tourists are plunged into a tank in a clear cage scaring many including Sophie Monk.

Crocosaurus Cove general manager Penny Eckel said the croc was much-loved part of the family.

“One of the hardest parts of our jobs here at the park is saying goodbye to an animal that we have worked with and cared for over many years,” Ms Eckel said.

“Axel was a much-loved part of the family here at Crocosaurus Cove and we will miss him dearly.

“Axel always enjoyed putting on a show for our daily feed presentations and provided an incredible experience for our Cage of Death interactions.

“His size and personality was very unique and our staff have many fond memories of working with the large Saltwater Crocodile.”

Axel was captured from the Roper River system near Katherine where he was deemed a problem croc due to stalking fishermen and puncturing boat trailer tyres.

He was then transported across the country to a Perth Tourist facility and later to Wyndham where he stayed for around 10 years.

He found his way back to Darwin in 2014 where he became a crowd favourite at Croc Cove and earned his name in the NT News “Name the Croc” competition.