The Guinness Book of World Records has declared a saltwater crocodile the largest such reptile in captivity in the Philippines. The huge beast weighs more than a tonne, measures 6.17-metre (20.24-foot) and it is suspected of killing two people.
The male crocodile, nicknamed “Lolong”, had been sought for the last two years after a killing of a girl and the disappearance of a fisherman. He was captured in the Agusan marsh on the southern island of Mindanao last September.Guinness stated on its website: “The largest crocodile in captivity is Lolong, a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), who measured 6.17 m. Lolong’s weight was also measured at a nearby truck weigh-bridge and verified as approximately 1,075 kg (2,370 lbs).”
The local Government have received a certificate from Guinness; the croc is currently in the custody of the town of Bunawan. The media affairs co-ordinator, Welinda Asis Elorde, said: “He’s doing well. I think he has already adapted to his new environment.”
Lolong has been put on a diet, he was being fed the equivalent of 10 per cent of his body weight in high protein meats such as beef, pork and poultry every month, but that has now been reduced to eight to 10 kilograms a week so he can become more active.
The previous record holder was a 5.48-metre Australian saltwater crocodile called Cassius who weighs nearly a tonne; he is kept at a crocodile park at an island off Queensland and has been there since he was captured in 1984.
According to media affairs co-ordinator, Welinda Asis Elorde Lolong is still a ‘big tourist attraction’ with hundreds of people visiting daily.
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