Gustave, an enormous Nile crocodile from Burundi, has long captured public imagination as a legendary and fearsome creature. His notoriety stems from his immense size and the numerous alleged human fatalities attributed to him, making his fate a subject of enduring mystery. This article explores the legend surrounding Gustave, the attempts made to capture him, his uncertain current whereabouts, and the reasons behind his remarkable elusiveness.
The Legend of Gustave
Gustave’s legendary status originates from his imposing physical characteristics and alleged predatory behavior along the Ruzizi River and northern Lake Tanganyika in Burundi. He is estimated to be over 20 feet long and weigh more than 2,000 pounds, making him one of the largest Nile crocodiles ever reported. His age is estimated to be over 60 years, possibly even 70, though his intact teeth suggest he is not as old as some initial estimates of 100 years.
He is rumored to have killed hundreds of people, with some estimates claiming over 300 victims. However, Patrice Faye, a herpetologist who studied him, documented closer to 60. Gustave’s massive size is believed to impede his ability to hunt agile prey like fish or antelope, leading him to target larger, slower animals, including hippopotamuses, buffalo, and humans. He is also identifiable by several bullet scars and a deep wound on his right shoulder blade, which locals claim he acquired from various attempts to kill him.
Attempts to Capture Gustave
Significant efforts have been made to capture or study Gustave, most notably by French naturalist Patrice Faye, who dedicated years to understanding the colossal crocodile. Faye and his team documented their attempts in the 2004 PBS film “Capturing the Killer Croc,” showcasing their two-month endeavor to trap the animal. They constructed a massive cage, nearly 30 feet long and weighing 2,000 pounds, designed to ensnare him.
The team utilized various baits, including different types of meat and live animals, to lure Gustave into the trap. Despite these efforts, Gustave consistently evaded capture, often appearing aware of the traps. Smaller crocodiles were sometimes caught, but Gustave remained elusive, suggesting his intelligence and caution were key factors. During their final week, a live goat placed in the cage disappeared after a stormy night, leaving the team without definitive proof of Gustave’s involvement due to a camera malfunction.
Gustave’s Current Whereabouts
Gustave’s current whereabouts remain unconfirmed, contributing to ongoing speculation about his fate. His last confirmed sighting was in 2009, though locals reported seeing a crocodile with his distinctive marks as recently as 2015. Despite claims surfacing in 2019 from a Travel Africa Magazine article suggesting he had been killed, no photographic evidence or carcass has ever been presented to substantiate these reports.
The lack of definitive proof means his status is debated; he could still be alive and unseen, or he might have died naturally given his advanced age. The immense size of his habitat makes tracking him extremely challenging, obscuring conclusive information regarding his existence. Without concrete evidence, Gustave remains a phantom whose presence continues to instill both fear and fascination.
Factors Contributing to His Elusiveness
Gustave’s ability to evade capture is due to environmental and behavioral factors. His primary habitat, the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika, offers an expansive environment with numerous hiding spots. The sheer scale of these waterways makes sustained tracking and monitoring efforts incredibly challenging.
The region has also experienced periods of political instability and civil conflict, making it dangerous and impractical for researchers to conduct prolonged expeditions. Large, old crocodiles like Gustave often develop heightened intelligence and wariness, learning to avoid human traps and presence. His size also allows him to survive bullet wounds, contributing to his resilience among locals.