Matt Wright mourns death of crocodile Bonecruncher at Top End Safari Camp

Crocodile wrangler Matt Wright is mourning the loss of a fan favourite feature of the Top End Safari Park. Read the high-profile tributes.

A beloved feature of a Top End tourist attraction will sadly no longer frighten or fascinate.

Bonecruncher the crocodile was killed by another male crocodile in a territorial battle at Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp.

The Wild Territory star broke the news in a moving Instagram carousel on Monday, mourning the loss of the 4m reptile who has been with him for a decade.

“Bonecruncher brought so much joy to everyone’s lives and has taught so many people about understanding and respecting crocodiles,” he wrote.

“He was definitely a one in a million animal with a personality and nature more like that of a man’s best friend than a crocodile.”

“I’ve been mates with Bonecruncher for 10 years now, he was my most loved crocodile and I am going to miss him big time as I know all of our staff and friends at the camp will.”

Matt Wright is mourning the loss of his “most loved crocodile” Bonecruncher. Picture: Instagram

Fans, visitors and Australian media personalities alike have shared their tributes to the apex predator.

“Gee he had a good life Bonecruncher — Sad day,” Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald said.

Bondi lifeguard Ryan “Whippet” Clarke said, “Sorry for the loss team. What’s (sic) privileged it was to see and meet Bonecruncher.”

RIP Bonecruncher 💔 One of the Territory’s most loved crocs lost his life in a territorial fight with another male. He was an icon. 🐊 https://t.co/rTBahXOlIG

— Zarisha Bradley (@ZarishaBradley9) October 10, 2022

Chef Matt Moran also left a comment of two broken hearts.

Former 9 News Darwin reporter Zarisha Bradley also shared a video of a close encounter with the croc to her Twitter.

“RIP Bonecruncher,” she wrote.

“He was an icon.”