Like many of the country's provincial stars, Lolong is being eyed by Manila. But the world's largest crocodile in captivity is going nowhere, says Mayor Edwin Elorde of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, Lolong's hometown.

 

“Personally sa akin gusto kong manatili si Lolong sa bayan namin dahil una, taga-doon talaga siya. Lolong is Bunawanon,” Elorde was quoted as saying in a report on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali” on Tuesday.

 

“Hindi naman kami nagkukulang sa pag-alaga kay Lolong. For almost a year, nag-survive si Lolong sa bago niyang tirahan,” the Bunawan mayor added.

 

 

 

Lolong used to be considered a pest to the residents after it was suspected to have killed a child and other missing residents from the area. However, the world’s largest croc became a savior as the ecopark provided jobs and other livelihood to the Agusan del Sur community.

 

The entrance fees collected from those who would like to take a peek at the world’s largest crocodile reached P3.6 million, the same television report said.

 

About 600 to 800 people visited Lolong daily during the summer months.

 

Lolong, which measures 20.24 feet, and weighs 2,370 lbs., was recognized by the Guinness World Records last June as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity.

Lolong: the Ambassador of Crocodile Conservation

 

Still, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje argued that Lolong is better off at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center as the giant crocodile will have more space compared to its current pen.

 

“Sa ngayon si Lolong ay naka-cage sa around 8,000 sqm. na fence samantalang ito 'yung lake lamang ay almost 80,000 sqm. It is a natural habitat na can approximate somehow the habitat ni Lolong,” Paje was quoted as saying in the same television report.

 

“We have already somehow tagged Lolong as the ambassador of crocodile conservation in the Philippines to heighten public consciousness,” he added.

 

But the Environment chief admitted that Lolong’s transfer will not be possible without the consent of the local government of Bunawan.

 

He added that Lolong's hometown will receive a part in the revenue that will be collected from the entrance fee of the giant croc's visitors.

 

Apart from the big city, authorities are also looking to bring Lolong back to the wild.

 

The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier said that Lolong may eventually be released to its natural habitat in Agusan Marsh. — RSJ/HS, GMA News