http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57568580/lolong-the-worlds-largest-captive-crocodile-dies-in-the-philippines/
Lolong was the
largest crocodile in captivity in a Bunawan creep at Agusan
del Norte last September 3, 2011. He was 21 foot long (6.4 metre long), 2,369
pound (1,075 kilograms) saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). He was the largest crocodile that was ever
caught where it took 100 people to take him onto land. He was named Lolong in
honor of the person who captured it. Lolong was really giant that he may qualify to Guinness Book so an Australian zoologist and crocodile expert Dr. Adam Britton visited him
and after 6 months of waiting, Lolong was officially announced as
the certified “world’s biggest crocodile in captivity” by the
Guinness Book of World Records.
Last February 10, 2013, that was 1 year, 5
months and 7 days after capture, Lolong was found death. According to the
spokeperson of the Mayor’s office, Lolong swallowed a nylon cord three
weeks ago. That's when he started having chronic diarrhea, after which, his
stomach started swelling.
Lolong's captivity and his declaration as the “world’s biggest crocodile in captivity” boost tourism
in the Philippine specifically in Bunawan at Agusan del Norte. It also increases town’s income and gives jobs
to people. Lolong is now a celebrity with 300 tourists daily and an income of Php10,000
daily from the entrance fee. If this would continue to grow, for sure, the town
would have more and more visitors that will bought them more income. But sad to
say Lolong is now dead. People from Bunawan were saddened because they knew
that it will affect local tourism in their place. Lolong
Is a great helping not just in the city but also
in our country because it generates income as well as to the residents nearby
who are having little business within the park premises such as selling souvenir
item of Lolong. The usual lively park is now a quiet and in peaceful mode.
I recommend that
the country declare a national day of mourning in honor of Lolong's memory
because it is very rare to have a giant animal as Lolong. Also, Lolong must be preserved
and be displayed in a Museum so that tourists who are not able to see Lolong
alive will still be able to see how big Lolong is. The government must do
this as a thanksgiving for the economic growth specifically in tourism that
Lolong brought us.
Well, the Article about the death
of Lolong saddened me, because I was not able to see Lolong face to face.
Bunawan is few hours travel from Davao, yet, I did not exert effort to go and see the
biggest crocodile in the world! We Filipino must be proud of Lolong.
