Oz Croc Snaps Up A Place In Record Book

The world's biggest crocodile in captivity has officially been named as Cassius - and given a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The 100-year-old Australian croc is an incredible 5.2m (17ft) long and weighs more than 2,200lbs.

Named after 1960s boxer Cassius Clay, who later renamed himself Mohammad Ali, he is now a heavyweight champ in his own right.

He was caught in the Northern Territory in 1987 but has lived on Green Island, off the far north Queensland coast, for the past 24 years.

Housed in a crocodile park, Cassius was caught after attacking one too many boats.

He would have been even longer but lost about 8in of his tail in a fight when he was in the wild.

Zoo keeper Toody Scott told the Cairns Post : "It confirms our belief that we've got the biggest croc, and it's good that he's got a bit of recognition for it.

"He's a very wise croc, very good at pretending that he's nice and gentle. He can very much lull you into a false sense of security, which is what crocodiles are very good at doing.

"I wouldn't trust him for a second," Mr Scott added.

Chris Sheedy of the Guinness Book of Records said Cassius will be honoured with a double-page spread in the 2012 edition.

"We thought this record was so amazing that it deserved its own two-page spread and that's now going out in four million copies worldwide," Mr Sheedy said.

However, Cassius's record may soon be broken by a Lolong, a croc recently captured in the Philippines who is said to be 6.4m (21ft) long.

However, animal rights activists have urged Filipini authorities to return the creature to the wild .

"Until it's in acceptable captivity, which is humane and professional, and until it has been properly measured, we can't accept it," Mr Sheedy added.