Gustave, a legendary Nile crocodile from Burundi, has captivated public imagination due to his immense size and a fearsome reputation for alleged human attacks. This elusive reptile is native to the Ruzizi River and the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika. He remains a figure shrouded in mystery, with infrequent appearances contributing to ongoing intrigue about his whereabouts.
The Legend of Gustave
Gustave is an exceptionally large male Nile crocodile, estimated to be over 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length and weighing more than 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms). Believed to be over 60 years old, he gained notoriety in the Ruzizi River region of Burundi as a formidable predator, rumored to have been responsible for a high number of human fatalities.
His near-mythical status is cemented by distinct physical markers, including three bullet wounds and a deep scar on his right shoulder blade, indicative of past confrontations. Gustave has been the subject of local folklore and featured in documentaries. French herpetologist Patrice Faye, who has studied Gustave since the late 1990s, gave him his name.
The Last Known Encounters
The most widely reported attempts to observe and potentially capture Gustave were documented in the 2004 PBS film, “Capturing the Killer Croc.” This documentary followed Patrice Faye and his team as they employed various strategies to catch the enormous crocodile. Their efforts included deploying a massive 2,000-pound, 30-foot-long cage, baited with different lures, including a live goat. Gustave consistently evaded capture.
The last confirmed sighting of Gustave occurred in 2009. Prior to this, National Geographic also reported a sighting in 2008. Although some local accounts suggest possible sightings as recently as 2015 or 2016, these reports lack official verification.
Current Status and Ongoing Search
The current status of Gustave remains uncertain, as there has been no definitive proof of his death. No carcass or photographic evidence has surfaced to substantiate claims of his demise, despite rumors circulating in 2019. Nile crocodiles can live for an average of 45 to 70 years in the wild, suggesting Gustave may still be alive.
Confirming Gustave’s continued existence or death is difficult due to the vastness of his habitat, spanning the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika. The region’s challenging and conflict-prone environment further complicates tracking efforts. He has consistently evaded human attempts at capture or close observation, leaving his ultimate fate a mystery.