What a Croc! Philippine crocodile declared largest in captivity

[onedef92]

Philippine crocodile declared largest in captivity

Posted: Sun, Jul. 1, 2012, 10:03 PM

MANILA, Philippines - A huge crocodile known as Lolong has brought pride, fear, tourism revenue and attention to the remote southern Philippines town where it was captured. And now it has claimed a world record, too.

Guinness World Records declared the giant, blamed for deadly attacks before it was captured last September, is the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity in the world.

The news sparked celebrations in Bunawan, a farming town of 37,000 in Agusan del Sur province, but Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said it also fostered concerns that more giant crocodiles might lurk in a marshland and creek where villagers fish.

"There were mixed feelings," Elorde said by telephone. "We're really proud because it proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time, there are fears that Lolong may not be alone."

Lolong has become the star attraction of a new ecotourism park and research center in the outskirts of Bunawan and has drawn thousands of tourists since news of its capture spread. Elorde said his town has earned 3 million pesos ($72,000) from the modest entrance fees at the park, with most of the money being used to feed and care for the crocodile and maintain the park.

Lolong measures 20.24 feet (6.17 meters) and weighs more than a ton, Guinness spokeswoman Anne-Lise Rouse said in a statement seen Sunday. The reptile took the top spot from an Australian crocodile that measured more than 17 feet (5 meters) and weighed nearly a ton.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje welcomed the Guinness announcement and the growing attention for the crocodile, saying it would help people realize the biodiversity of their surroundings and the need to protect it. He said he would recommend that the government help Bunawan become an ecotourism destination.

The crocodile was captured with steel cable traps during a three-week hunt after a child was killed in 2009 and a fisherman went missing. Water buffalos have also been attacked by crocodiles in the area.

About 100 people led by Elorde pulled the crocodile from a creek using a rope and then hoisted it by crane onto a truck. It was named after a government environmental officer who died from a heart attack after traveling to Bunawan to help capture the beast, Elorde said.

Elorde said he saw a bigger crocodile escape when Lolong was captured and villagers remain wary of fishing there at night. He said he has formed a team of hunters and is seeking government permission to hunt that crocodile.

[onedef92]

That joker's been eatin' an awful lot of cormorants huh, Tim?

[vtelvr]

Lots of boots to me made!

[jaxgator]

Originally Posted by onedef92

That joker's been eatin' an awful lot of cormorants huh, Tim?

Looks like he's full of them. Either that or people, dogs, cats, etc.

[DJ_Critterus]

There's been a documentary on NatGeo for a while about this croc and it's really good. Thing, is they say they have eye witness accounts of a croc that may be about 30' long and that Lolong wasn't the croc they were trying to capture.

[ApexOversteer]

Originally Posted by vtelvr

Lots of boots to me made!

At that size, it is entirely possible that this croc has been alive for 80, or 100 years.

I think the old man has earned his golden years of free meals instead of becoming tasteless accessories for rednecks and their box-wine sucking wives.

[Bucwheat]

Dats a biggun.

[vtelvr]

Originally Posted by ApexOversteer

At that size, it is entirely possible that this croc has been alive for 80, or 100 years.

I think the old man has earned his golden years of free meals instead of becoming tasteless accessories for rednecks and their box-wine sucking wives.

That was sarcasm from my end...guess you didn't catch that.

I would agree with you on his age and getting an easy ride out of this life.

[island14]

Originally Posted by onedef92

That joker's been eatin' an awful lot of cormorants huh, Tim?

I had to click just because you mentioned the Philippines..

Baiting me huh?

That is one bigass mofo!

I met an Australian guy years ago that was here trying to promote the breeding of Crocks in Crock farms here...

As far as promoting tourism..... how stupid can they get!.. let me strongly suggest anyone thinking about this, search "Southern Philippines" before doing so...
(not a good idea)

But I do know Filipinos... and trust me these beast will soon be food and on the lost and forgotten extinct list

[onedef92]

Originally Posted by island14

I had to click just because you mentioned the Philippines..

Baiting me huh?

That is one bigass mofo!

I met an Australian guy years ago that was here trying to promote the breeding of Crocks in Crock farms here...

As far as promoting tourism..... how stupid can they get!.. let me strongly suggest anyone thinking about this, search "Southern Philippines" before doing so...
(not a good idea)

But I do know Filipinos... and trust me these beast will soon be food and on the lost and forgotten extinct list