Special cage to be built for 'Lolong'
MANILA, Philippines - The 20.1-foot saltwater crocodile captured in Agusan Marsh, which is considered the biggest crocodile ever captured, will be taken care of in a permanent cage in the locality.
Josie de Leon, officer-in-charge of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), said the crocodile, now known as “Lolong,” will be kept in a cage to be built in Barangay Consuelo in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
“We will just be assisting the local officials who will take care of the crocodile, an adult male,” De Leon said adding that a team from the PAWB, particularly from the Palawan Wildlife and Resources Conservation Center will be providing technical assistance to the local government.
PAWB chief Mundita Lim said a team from PAWB also extended help to capture the crocodile.
Philip Dizon, proprietor of the Davao Crocodile Park meanwhile said the crocodile that is now being hunted by villagers in Bunawan town could be smaller than Lolong, but is equally dangerous.
Lolong, said to be 50 years old, was believed to be responsible for a series of incidents in the area including the killing of a local farmer and a carabao last month.
Local officials in Bunawan are also asking the Guiness Book of World Records to check Lolong. The 20-foot reptile that weighed 2,370 pounds is said to be bigger than a crocodile that was caught in Cairns, Australia.
Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde called on officials of the Guinness Book of World Records to measure Lolong to determine if it is indeed the biggest captive reptile in recent history.
Elorde said he also plans to put up a facility near the municipal hall, where the crocodile can be placed and displayed as tourism attraction in the area.
But he said there should be enough security measures to ensure the safety of the residents once the crocodile is put on display.
The crocodile is being kept in a temporary cage in the remote village of Consuelo. – Rhodina Villanueva, Edith Regalado
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