Giant Crocodile in Philippines Holds Guinness World Record

The giant crocodile captured in the Philippines last September now holds the Guinness World Record as the largest saltwater crocodile current in captivity. The beast, which weights nearly one ton, isn...
Giant Crocodile in Philippines Holds Guinness World Record
Written by Staff
  • The giant crocodile captured in the Philippines last September now holds the Guinness World Record as the largest saltwater crocodile current in captivity. The beast, which weights nearly one ton, isn’t even the biggest croc in the area. According to locals, a bigger version of the captured creature managed to escape while hunters were attempting to drag this one out of the water. So terrified are fishermen that many do not go near the area at night for fear of being chomped, snatched, or eaten alive. I’m sure SyFy is working on a version of this story right now.

    Crocodile Lolong, which was named after one of the men who died while attempting to track down the beast, is thought to be responsible for a number of deadly attacks in the region, including the death of a child in 2009. Although you’d think that such a monster would cause people to avoid the place entirely, the creature’s capture has actually helped generate tourism in the small farming town of Bunawan.

    Although Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde is elated that Lolong is generating some cashflow, he says that the crocodile’s capture is really a double-edged sword. “There were mixed feelings,” Elorde explained to the Associated Press. “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.”

    Considering it took roughly 100 men armed with some rope and crane to hoist it onto a truck, the thought of tackling another giant crocodile may not sound too appealing to residents. Still, Elorde reportedly welcomed the Guinness World Record acknowledgement with open arms. At the end of the day, the mayor hopes that the government will recognize Bunawan as a ecotourism destination. If that doesn’t work, they could always sell the movie rights.

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit