In February 2013, the online community and a town in southern Philippines mourned the death of Lolong, the world's largest crocodile in captivity. Several speculations have emerged regarding the cause of his death so the local authorities finally performed a formal investigation on the matter.
Lolong's Unexpected Demise
Lolong is a saltwater crocodile which belongs to the species Crocodylus porosus. It was named after local hunter Ernesto "Lolong" Conate, who died of a stroke while planning the capture of the gigantic creature.
The beast was caught by wildlife authorities in September 2011 as a result of a long effort to track him down after reportedly killing a 12-year-old girl in the Agusan March in 2009. He was also linked to the later disappearance of a fisherman from a nearby village. However, it was still unclear if Lolong was responsible for the alleged lethal attacks on people and on livestock.
The 2,370-pound (1,075 kilograms) heavyweight reptile measures 20 feet (6 meters) long, a size that earned him an entry in the Guinness World Records. This record also drew tourists to its enclosure at the Davao Crocodile Park in the Philippine island of Mindanao.
After two years of being caged and locked up, Lolong was found dead inside his compound on February 10, 2013. Lolong currently rests in the National Museum of Natural History in Manila, where his enormous preserved body requires 18 men to move him around.
According to Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde, the crocodile had been ill for several weeks before his death. He refused to eat a month prior and a change in the color of its feces was also observed. The park personnel also allegedly noticed an unusual ballooning of its belly, which was confirmed when it was snapped upside down with a bloated stomach.
Local veterinarian Alex Collanted suggested that unseasonably cold weather could have brought about the decline in Lolong's health. Meanwhile, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) blamed extreme stress as the cause of Lolong's death. The organization pointed out that large crocodiles used to roam vast ranges in their natural habitat. Crocodiles are known to live up to 100 years in the wild, while Lolong lived only up to 60 years.
Solving the Mysterious Death
An autopsy was conducted by Philippine veterinarians due to concerns that it died of mistreatment in a small pen. According to Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Head Mundita Lim, the autopsy was carried out to find out the real cause of death and prevent misinformation and speculations. No traces of foreign material were found inside the animal, debunking the claims that it died from eating a plastic and nylon cord.
Initial findings from a necropsy performed on Lolong suggest that it may have died of pneumonia and cardiac arrest. According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, the giant saltwater reptile had a late-stage pneumonia and cardiac failure at the time of its death.
It was also found to have lesions in different major organs like the heart, lung, intestines, and kidney. The findings also indicate that there could have been a chronic infection which may have been aggravated by stress.
According to Lim, Lolong's case could help gain a better understanding of the condition of crocodiles in the wild and while in captivity. It can also help determine the state of the Agusan Marsh to improve its condition for the benefit of the wildlife and the communities that depend on its resources.
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