Agusan townsfolk mark Lolong's 1st year in captivity

BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur – Residents and local officials here led by Mayor Edwin Elorde celebrated last Monday the first year in captivity of “Lolong,” which the Guinness Book of World Records has recognized as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity. 

A short program was held at the municipal hall grounds, during which the Guinness certificate was shown to the public. A fireworks display capped the program.

Elorde thanked and recognized the people who helped catch Lolong and wished for the crocodile’s good health.

He said Lolong made Bunawan and the province of Agusan del Sur internationally famous.

He said local and foreign tourists have been flocking to the Bunawan Eco-Park where a special cage was built for Lolong.

Agusan del Sur Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, in his speech, slammed the proposal to transfer Lolong to Manila, saying the crocodile belongs to Bunawan town.

Reports earlier said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources plans to transfer Lolong to the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City.

Lolong was caught on Sept. 3 last year after nearly a year of surveillance in Magsagangsang Creek in Barangay New Nueva here.

Lolong measures 20.24 feet (6.17 meters) and weighs more than a ton, according to Guinness spokeswoman Anne-Lise Rouse.

The previous Guinness record holder as the largest crocodile in captivity was “Cassius,” an Australian crocodile that measured more than 17 feet (five meters) and weighed nearly a ton.