Crocodile Malang released back into the wild

After almost a month in captivity, the 7.5-foot freshwater crocodile named Malang was released back into the Liguasan marsh on Friday.

 

Malang, reportedly the largest crocodile caught in the marsh, was kept in a cage near the municipal hall of Mlang City in North Cotabato.

 

Mayor Joselito Piñol said they had no plans of keeping the crocodile which they released after members of the Palawan wildlife rescue center found Malang to be in healthy condition.

 

Meanwhile, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals commended Piñol and the local government for their decision to release Malang.

 

“Displaying a crocodile would not bring fame or honor to the Philippines or Cotabato. Keeping Malang in captivity would have only shown a lack of regard for animal welfare, and PETA applauds the city of Mlang for recognizing that,” PETA said in a statement.

 

“PETA also recognizes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for advocating the release of Malang and not allowing her to meet the same fate as saltwater crocodile Lolong,” it added.

 

Lolong, a 21-foot, 1,075-kilogram crocodile was the largest crocodile in captivity certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Lolong was caught last 2011 in Agusan del Sur and died in February 2013 from complications brought about by his captivity.

 

Malang, on the other hand, was caught last April 12 in the Liguasan Marsh by fishermen from Barangay Dunguan, North Cotabato. —Andrei Medina/KG, GMA News