Iconic 14-foot crocodile with international fan base goes missing in Australia river

A 14-foot crocodile that has ruled a section of eastern Australia’s Daintree River for decades has gone missing, and fans fear the worst.

Scarface the King, as the crocodile is known, is something of a celebrity in Far North Queensland — an “A-Lister and megastar ... instrumental in bringing the plight of crocs to the attention of the world,” according to fans.

So his mysterious disappearance is commanding national coverage in Australia.

“One of the most ... iconic, loved and revered crocodiles in the Far North has sparked major concern after not being spotted along his usual habitat for a record number of days,” the Newsport Daily reported March 6.

“Where’s Scarface?” the Australian Broadcasting Corporation asked March 10.

Scarface could be hiding or injured — or he may even have left the river due to the frequent appearance of tour boats, locals say.

The worst-case scenario is that he’s dead, but no carcass has been found, David White, owner of Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile & Wildlife Cruises, posted March 11 on Facebook.

“It’s now been 29 days since he’s been spotted,” the company posted.

“Basically I have been out every night for the past 3 weeks past midnight searching for my mate. I am absolutely drained so not going to do them now. I have tried. I needed to know he didn’t need my help.”

The river in northeast Australia is home to about 70 adult saltwater crocodiles, the largest being males of about 16 feet in length, Destination Daintree reports.

It is suspected Scarface has lived at least 70 years in the river, where he mated with whomever he wanted and fathered countless baby crocodiles. Recent observations have revealed most of his teeth are missing, Solar Whisper Daintree reported.

White is perhaps the crocodile’s greatest publicist, building an international fan base for the reptile by likening its life to a daytime drama (“Days of the Daintree”) in Facebook posts. He has become protective of the crocodile in the process, admitting on social media that he got along better with Scarface than most people in his life.

“Is he dead? I just don’t know, I am thinking he isn’t. I haven’t given up hope,” White wrote on Facebook.

“Scarface, he’s my family, he’s unique, he’s a gentle boss and not a bully, loves the cameras, can be so powerful when he wants to and so gentle other times. ... And boy it’s going to be a celebration when he returns.”