After ‘eating a schoolgirl,’ the world’s largest crocodile in captivity died of stress
Following his capture in September 2011, the world’s largest saltwater crocodile, named Lolong, was found upside down in his Philippines habitat with a swollen stomach in February 2013.
Internet fans have expressed their sorrow for the death of the crocodile, which was officially measured at 21 feet and 157 pounds by Guinness World Records in 2012.
“Lolong was the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity,” an image of a guy prodding the mighty beast with a stick while he was still alive was recently published on Subreddit, Interestingasf***, with the caption: ” Over the course of two years after being captured, he died of a fungal infection and stress.”
Lolong was initially chased for three weeks after killing at least one person in the Philippines, according to reports at the time.
The monster was suspected of consuming a missing fisherman from Bunawan, as well as a 12-year-old girl whose head was discovered two years ago.
Lolong became the center of attention at an eco-tourism park after he was captured. Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde claimed the animal had been ill for some weeks before his death. He told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Lolong had been refusing to eat for a month and that his feces had changed color. “An odd swelling of the reptile’s belly was also seen by our personnel.”
Lolong’s health may have deteriorated due to unseasonably cold weather, according to local veterinarian Alex Collantes.
Mr. Elorde also expressed his wish that Lolong’s body could be preserved so that “people can still look and marvel at him” in an interview with BBC News, which has luckily happened. “His remains are displayed at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila,” a Redditor said.
“Went to view it when I was there some years ago,” said another who had visited the body. It’s quite large. It’s a bit like viewing a dinosaur reenactment. Except… these things are still alive.”
What struck a chord, however, was how severe Lolong’s health had to be for such a tough animal to be emotionally and physically broken. “Even more depressing when you consider just how powerful a crocodile’s immune system is,” one Redditor said. They can survive in the most noxious of environments.”
