World's Largest Captive Crocodile 'Lolong' Dead

The 20-foot, 3-inch saltwater crocodile 'Lolong', who made the Guinness World Records as the world's largest saltwater crocodile in captivity, was found dead Feb. 10, 2013 at 8 p.m. in Bunawan, Philippines.

Experts had noticed a lack of appetite in Lolong for the past one month. On noticing the left side of its stomach bloated, they requested Dr. Alex Collantes of the Davao Crocodile Park in Davao City to check on the reptile.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde, who declared the death of Lolong, said the reptile has been off color ever since the tropical cyclone Pablo devastated the parts of Mindanao and Visayas in December. Necropsy will be conducted on Lolong by officials from the Protect Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

However, some reports claim that the reptile fell ill after swallowing a nylon cord about three weeks ago. He was left with nonstop diarrhea, The Philippine Star reported.

The 2,370 pound giant reptile was measured by Australian crocodile expert Dr. Adam Britton of National Geographic. He broke the record of 'Cassius' in the crocodile park of MarineLand Melanesia, Queensland.

The crocodile, which was thought to be around 50 years old, was the centerpiece of Bunawan eco-tourism park. Only after receiving permission from the Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center was it allowed to be viewed by the public from September 2011 onward.

He was captured from the Agusan marsh after locals blamed the giant reptile for eating a fisherman and several others from the province.

A number of Filipinos took to social media on Sunday, suggesting that the country declare a national day of mourning.  Nearly 100 people, led by Elorde, turned out to transfer the crocodile from a creek using a rope, hoisting it by crane onto a truck, reports Science Recorder.  

If Lolong still existed, the local government along with a private public partnership project would embark on a P200 million site development project for the Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center.

The Philippine province of Agusan del Sur plans on preserving the remains of the giant reptile in the National Museum.

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