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World’s largest crocodile in captivity, Cassius, died in Australia

▶ Watch Video: Mexican mayor “marries” crocodile as part of local harvest tradition

The world’s largest crocodile in captivity, Cassius, died at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.

The Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat & Gift Shop posted on Facebook about the loss of Cassius.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius,” the post read. “He was more than just a crocodile he was a cherished member of our family and brought joy and companionship to his best mate George for over 37 years.”

Cassius’ condition had been declining since Oct. 15, the post read. The habitat also thanked everyone who visited Cassius during his life and “offered kindness along the way.”

Cassius, a saltwater crocodile, was thought to be at least 110 years old, according to the BBC, but no one is certain.

“He was very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild Croc. Cassius will be deeply missed, but our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever.”

In 2011, Cassius made history with a Guinness World Record as the largest crocodile in captivity at 17 ft.

Once shaped by court rituals, China’s imperial cuisine lives on today

BEIJING (AP) — It is said that Empress Dowager Cixi once dreamed of a pastry during the final decades of imperial China. The same treat was served to her at breakfast the following morning. Delighted, she summoned her chef and rewarded him with a silver ingot. “It was originally called ‘minced pork pancake,’ but because it had fulfilled her dream, it later became known as ‘dream pastry,’” said Zhou Tong, a chef at Fangshan Restaurant in Beijing. Fangshan specializes in imperial cuisine, preserving dishes like the one associated with Cixi and other culinary traditions from China’s imperial court. The restaurant was founded in 1925 by former chefs from the Qing Dynasty at Beihai Park, a garden where royals from several dynasties rested, handled government affairs and performed ritual sacrifices.
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