Gustave the crocodile is a legendary, exceptionally large Nile crocodile from Burundi. He gained notoriety for his alleged involvement in numerous human fatalities, becoming an object of both fascination and profound fear. His remarkable cunning and elusive nature cemented his status as a creature of myth in the region, drawing attention from researchers and locals alike.
The Legend of Gustave
Gustave’s immense size distinguishes him; estimates place his length at over 20 feet (6.1 meters) and his weight exceeding 2,000 pounds (907 kg). This makes him one of the largest Nile crocodiles ever documented. Estimated to be over 60 years old, he has lived a long life in the wild. He bears distinctive physical marks, including three bullet wounds and a deeply wounded right shoulder blade, aiding in his identification.
He roams the Ruzizi River and the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, a region where his presence inspires widespread terror. Local accounts attribute a significant number of human fatalities to Gustave, with rumored figures ranging from 200 to 300 individuals, though more conservative estimates suggest closer to 60 or fewer. His hunting behavior is unusual; he often leaves victims’ bodies uneaten, fueling local mystique.
The Elusive Search and His Fate
French herpetologist Patrice Faye, who named Gustave and began studying him in the late 1990s, spearheaded numerous attempts to capture or tag him. A notable effort, documented in the 2004 PBS film “Capturing the Killer Croc,” showcased significant challenges. Researchers constructed a massive trap cage, weighing 2,000 pounds and measuring nearly 30 feet in length, and deployed it with various baits, including a live goat.
Despite elaborate measures, Gustave consistently evaded capture, demonstrating remarkable cunning. He appeared aware of the traps, often parading outside the cage without entering, while smaller crocodiles were sometimes caught. The research team abandoned efforts due to escalating civil conflict in the region. The last confirmed sighting of Gustave occurred in 2009, though some unverified reports suggest he may have been seen as recently as 2015.
The current status of Gustave remains uncertain, contributing to his enduring legend. Reports of his death surfaced in 2019, but no concrete evidence, like a carcass or photographic proof, has emerged to substantiate these questionable claims. Some speculate he may have died of natural causes given his estimated advanced age. Without definitive proof, many believe he could still be alive, inhabiting the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika.