Science

Confirmed: This Giant Crocodile Is the Largest One in Captivity

Philippines Lolong Confirmed by the Guinness World Records as the Largest Saltwater Crocodile in Captivity

Lolong upon his capture in September 2011. (Photo: AP)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Last September, the Blaze reported a town in the Philippines celebrating the capture of an enormous crocodile that was suspected to have made some deadly attacks upon villagers. Keeping the croc alive but captive, the villagers used it to help generate tourism.

Although having the croc on display has already been a boon for the town, they now have something else to brag about besides just landing it. Lolong, as he is called, has been confirmed by the Guinness World Records as the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity in the world.

(Related: Load of croc: Picture captures giant crocodile leaping by tourist’s boat)

Lolong has become the star attraction of a new ecotourism park and research center in the outskirts of Bunawan and has drawn thousands of tourists since news of its capture spread. Elorde said his town has earned 3 million pesos ($72,000) from the modest entrance fees at the park, with most of the money being used to feed and care for the crocodile and maintain the park.

Lolong measures 20.24 feet (6.17 meters) and weighs more than a ton, Guinness spokeswoman Anne-Lise Rouse said in a statement seen Sunday. The reptile took the top spot from an Australian crocodile that measured more than 17 feet (5 meters) and weighed nearly a ton.

The news sparked celebrations in Bunawan, a farming town of 37,000 in Agusan del Sur province, but Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said it also fostered concerns that more giant crocodiles might lurk in a marshland and creek where villagers fish.

Watch this AP footage from last year when Lolong was first captured:

“There were mixed feelings,” Elorde said by telephone. “We’re really proud because it proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time, there are fears that Lolong may not be alone.”

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje welcomed the Guinness announcement and the growing attention for the crocodile, saying it would help people realize the biodiversity of their surroundings and the need to protect it. He said he would recommend that the government help Bunawan become an ecotourism destination.

The crocodile was captured with steel cable traps during a three-week hunt after a child was killed in 2009 and a fisherman went missing. Water buffalos have also been attacked by crocodiles in the area.

About 100 people led by Elorde pulled the crocodile from a creek using a rope and then hoisted it by crane onto a truck. It was named after a government environmental officer who died from a heart attack after traveling to Bunawan to help capture the beast, Elorde said.

Elorde said he saw a bigger crocodile escape when Lolong was captured and villagers remain wary of fishing there at night. He said he has formed a team of hunters and is seeking government permission to hunt that crocodile.

Comments (72)

1 2
  • merik59
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:44pm

    It didn’t get this huge from being in captivity. It seems a shame to torture the animal because that’s what it amounts to for the animal itself. Either build it a sufficient habitat with a display aquarium or let it go. I don‘t see these people building their version of Sea World to accommodate this creature soon so they’re going to end up abusing this croc until it finally dies from something unpleasant. Way to go, ignorant jerks. I’m not a PETA fan but this pi$$es me off. It’s getting rare for these lizards to reach gargantuan size & it is a wondrous thing not an automatic tourist attraction or luggage waiting to be made. Morons.

    Report Post »  
    • morerightrudder
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:56pm

      Put him out of his misery and make boots and purses. I wouldn’t let him go, too dangerous to the natives living in the area.

      Report Post »  
    • Salamander
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:02pm

      Donate it to Congress–maybe it could help us ‘clean house’!

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 9:21pm

      It’s not really that big. It’s just a baby Godzilla.

      Wait till it does grow up and moves to Japan. : )

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • adeleeeee
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:17pm

      You do not live there so I don’t think you have a right speak for what those ppl did to this Croc.

      But I kind of agree with you this croc would die unpleasantly. But, again, this croc is a killing machine so I would suggest they should kill this Croc and use this Croc made all kinds of byproduct from it.

      Report Post » adeleeeee  
    • antonchekov
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:53pm

      the money collected will go for the food and maintenance of the crocodile. the crocodile that size needs to eat a lot of chicken or meat from other animals.it doesnt eat grass or leaves from trees. its not a lot of money like the sea world would collect from entrance fee. you have to knowthat philippines is not like the US. they cant generate income like that quickly. donate some cash.
      understand?

      Report Post »  
  • POET
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:27pm

    I would trust this Crock more then Van Jones

    Report Post » POET  
  • v15
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:54pm

    Retiles will grow as big as their food supply. They spotted a saltwater croc in the Philippines that was roughly 29 ft in length. Good luck catching that bad boy!

    Report Post » v15  
  • ricckky
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:42pm

    We need a Crocobama Dept.-Need to levy new taxes on these critters for new alligator golf shoes for liar-in-chief!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • rafa2design
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:35pm

    That croc could sure make a lot of nice looking boots.

    Report Post » rafa2design  
  • lukerw
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:48pm

    Gonna need a Bigger GUN!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • The_Cabrito_Goat
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:03pm

    I’d still be more wary of sharks.

    Crocodiles are cold-hearted,

    But sharks are heartless.

    Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
    • v15
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:35am

      Saltwater crocs eat fully grown bull sharks. But with sharks, you can punch them on the nose and jam your fingers into their eyes and they will let go of you. I don’t think a saltwater croc has a weakness though.

      Report Post » v15  
  • fedupwithentitlements
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:54pm

    Here Bloomberg and other libs wants people to give up sugared drinks & popcorn to fight obesity and God answers with resources to make bigger belts!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • ronin_6
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:17pm

    They need to send the ‘Swamp Men’ after the other one. Holy Cats! That thing is huge.

    Report Post » ronin_6  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:54pm

      That’s a bunch of croc……shoot it Lizbeth.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:53pm

      They’ll have to loose those .22s and get a .30-06!

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 9:17pm

      Hi RJJ,

      I’m starting to worry about Billy. He was having electricity issues 2 days ago and I haven’t seen him around since then. Got any updates from him? I‘m sending requests that he’s OK.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Msgt Ret
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:06am

      Thats “Choot it”

      Report Post » Msgt Ret  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:12pm

    One BIG CROC

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • TrollBane
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:09pm

    Crocburgers.

    Report Post » TrollBane  
  • cranberry
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:01pm

    How many villagers does it take to make a huge croc?! and, what are they feeding it now? I’ve got some libs in mind that would make a good meal for that croc… lip smackin’ good!

    Report Post » cranberry  
  • Guitar Master
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:35pm

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    From THE REPORTE
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    These people are barbarians – just look at them ?

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:15pm

    Slap some lipstick on it and you have a look alike for Nancy Pelosi.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • Richard_Cranium
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:04pm

    If Obama had a crocodile…(yes it’s coming)…it would look like this crocodile.

    Report Post »  
  • blaaaaackwoman
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:03pm

    More than a ton you say? Why that’s a paltry weight compared to Chris Christie. I say put em on display, charge a fee and reduce taxes now for NJ.

    Report Post »  
    • Leader1776
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:08pm

      LOL ……….. Good one!!!

      Report Post » Leader1776  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:21pm

      Christie is doing fine for the folks of NJ and a much more productive member of society than you.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
    • Msgt Ret
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:09am

      If your gonna poke fun as someones body how ’bout puttin‘ the FLOTUS’s AZZ on a scale!

      Report Post » Msgt Ret  
  • GunnyRet03
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:00pm

    They didn’t find human reamins in the stomach when pumped. But previous to that a 10yr girl and a fisherman were eaten. Most likely another one out there, the locals say they have spotted one bigger than that one captured.

    Report Post »  
    • seanscythe
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:39pm

      Elorde said he saw a bigger crocodile escape when Lolong was captured and villagers remain wary of fishing there at night. He said he has formed a team of hunters and is seeking government permission to hunt that crocodile.

      Report Post » seanscythe  
    • Salamander
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:08pm

      You really don’t want to mess with a salt water croc! I know of a sailor that disappeared in front of his wife while setting an anchor after a particularly challenging crossing! The croc made short work of him–then the local govt went after the wife for their failure to clear customs, 120 miles to weather! I’m not sure that she fared much better than her husband!

      Report Post »  
  • TEIN
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:52am

    “..seeking government permission to hunt that crocodile.“ Is it not comforting to know that people need ”government permission” to deal with a deadly pest?

    Report Post »  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:19pm

      And what do you think a hunting license for Deer, Elk, Moose, Caribou, Mountain Goat, Bear, Cougar, Fish, Waterfowl and all upland game is? Try hunting these without one. And before you say Deer are not pests, or dangerous, try growing a garden and flowers, or aproach one during rut season.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
  • cuzifit
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:50am

    Can we ship it to the White House and let it go! Maybe we can get rid of the rodents that have been infesting the White House for the past 3 years!

    Report Post » cuzifit  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:16pm

      If the crock croaked, suitcases could be made and shipped to DC to help the Democrates/Liberals/Communists “pack their suitcases” after the November elections. LOL

      Enjoyed (and still do with the re-runs) “The Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin would be amazed at the size of this crocodile. The article mentions revenue from sales of tickets to see this but can’t imagine the cost of feeding this crock. The crock could feed many starving citizens…..would the meat taste “just like chicken”? LOL

      Report Post »  
  • lylejk
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:49am

    That’s one freaking huge crock no doubt. Jeeze. lol

    :)

    Report Post » lylejk  
  • okredstate
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:37am

    Sure wish you could view the animal without all the ropes so you can get an idea of the true size. BLAZE: Find some pictures of that.

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:04pm

      just look at the other stories. I’m sure the had a picture of Shiela jackson Lee a few days ago.

      Report Post »  
  • BIGGIEWMN
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:33am

    I am surprised that some of these bleeding heart liberal animal lovers haven’t been having a fit about cruelty to animals or some such charge. Since human life rarely means anything to them, I can see them trying to have the croc put back in it’s native environment, put the area off limits to humans. If they can do that to the farmers in California because of a tiny fish, or stop drilling in the Permian Basin because of a lizard, why not for the world’s largest croc? Just wait, it will happen. And if it, or the other huge crocs eat another child, well, they are just human and we can spare some of them.

    Report Post »  
    • BeeAlert
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:34pm

      Put the area off limits to humans? NO — it’s the latest eco-tourism hotspot! Ecology these days is all about feeding hapless humans to angry animals, didn’t you know?

      Report Post » BeeAlert  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:11am

    I wonder how many villagers that Croc ate before it was captured..?
    Who would have guessed that PITA had one of their branches in the Philippines..
    Nothing says tourism like a man-eater on display ..

    Of course the “nativel iberals” had mixed emotions on this matter..
    They like their “natural population control”…It gives them plausible-deniability …

    Report Post » sawbuck  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:55am

      Stick them in with him, lets see how much pita loves this monster then. A modern day dinosaur .

      Report Post »  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:04pm

      You are right, Rick. Reptiles never stop growing and when then get to be a couple of hundred years old they are huge. Dinosaur means “terrible lizard.”

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • DesdemonasCrew
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:26pm

      I thought pita was bread?

      Report Post » DesdemonasCrew  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:09am

    That’s A LOT of shoes waiting to be made just for me! :)

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:54am

    Well, at the least we know where all of those PETA protesters went…gator bait quite literally.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love