Bunawan, Agusan del Sur - Farewell Lolong!

The biggest recorded crocodile in the world has just passed away this evening - February 11, 2013 in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. I was so unfortunate that I didn't get the chance to get home in my hometown last year and meet Lolong - the biggest crocodile. 

Lolong the biggest crocodile

 

Lolong has become the pride of Agusan del Sur (a pride of the Philippines), where the best marsh land is situated. This vast expanse of marsh is known as Agusan Marsh Land, which is as big as Metro Manila, Philippines. According to the locals, there are other big crocodiles inhabiting the area. There are lot of reports about missing animals like water buffalo, and even missing farmers. I was really wondering how did they captured him.

21-foot crocodile HERE

Accordingly, the crocodile was captured in the joint cooperation of the local government, residents, and the crocodile hunters from Palawan. Lolong is the nick-name of one of the crocodile hunters from Palawan, who died before the crocodile was captured. It was only after the datu or chieftain of Manobo tribe prayed to their gods when Lolong was finally captured.

This jaw can consume a big water buffalo.

Lolong the big crocodile in the world

After the three-week period of capturing Lolong in one of the creek in Agusan del Sur, NGO's like Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc. and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have urged the local government of Bunawan to return the biggest crocodile to the creek. That's because it needed a natural habitat. However, the Mayor of Bunawan, Edwin Elorde and other locals declined that option. They disputed that Lolong posed a big danger to the community. The ongoing debate over this matter was not resolved until Lolong has passed away this evening.

Lolong in his cage

Lolong submerged in water

Goodbye, Lolong!

Goodbye Lolong! I should have visited home last year. I could have personally met you. I couldn't blame those residents in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur for this sad event. Reports say that the crocodile was not eating well for almost a month then. He might be ill or something. At this moment, they are still checking the body of the crocodile.

When I get home this year, I will surely visit his preserved body for sure. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I just felt the need to share this to the blogger world. I know most of you didn't know about Lolong the biggest crocodile in the world.

Just me,

Phioxee

 P.S. Thank you Wabz Realista for some of the photos.