Heartbreak as Steve Irwin's beloved Dr Dolittle 2 co-star dies

Daily Mail​

13-05-2025

An iconic alligator who appeared alongside Steve Irwin and Eddie Murphy in the 2001 Hollywood movie Dr Dolittle 2 has died.
Morris, a 2.7 metre long American alligator who was one of the most famous reptiles in the industry, passed away in captivity at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park on Sunday.
He was thought to have been about 80 years old.
' Colorado Gators is sad to report the passing away of our oldest alligator. Morris was known for his work in many movies and TV shows from 1975 to 2006, when he retired to live out his days at Colorado Gators,' the park wrote on social media.
'His exact age was unknown, but he was 9 feet long in 1975 and by his growth rate and tooth loss, we can estimate his age at over 80 years. We are very saddened by his passing to old age. RIP Morris.'
The beloved reptile appeared in one of Dr Dolittle 2's most memorable scenes, in which he cheekily bit Irwin, who was playing himself filming his TV show The Crocodile Hunter, as Murphy's character looked on it shock.
'Crikey... Me arm!' Irwin yelped in the scene after a misadventure with the temperamental gator.
The animal also appeared in Happy Gilmore, opposite Adam Sandler, and Interview With The Vampire with Tom Cruise.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Morris.
'I was able to visit Morris a few times over the years. He was a famous movie star,' one person wrote.
'So sad! Sorry for the loss of this beautiful Gator,' another added.
It comes just months after Paul Hogan's beloved Crocodile Dundee co-star died in Darwin.
Burt, the 5.1-metre 700kg monster crocodile from the comedy adventure film, died in captivity in December.
He was thought to have been over 90 years old.
Crocosaurus Cove, a crocodile herpetarium and aquarium attraction which had kept Burt in captivity since 2008, announced the reptile's death on social media.
'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee,' they posted on Facebook.
'Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.'
The herpetarium wrote a heartfelt tribute to the iconic creature, described as 'one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world'.
'Burt's life story is one of strength, resilience and a personality as bold as the Top End itself,' it wrote.
'Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia's image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.
'In 2008, Burt made his way to Crocosaurus Cove, where he became a fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile education. His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike.'