Lolong, a male saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) captured in the Philippines, gained international fame for his immense size. He became the undisputed holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest crocodile in captivity. Hailing from the Agusan Marsh, this massive reptile drew global attention and highlighted the region’s biodiversity.
The Hunt and Capture in the Philippines
The search for Lolong began in the marshlands near Bunawan, a town in the province of Agusan del Sur on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Local authorities launched a focused hunt following a series of attacks on humans and livestock. The local community and government viewed the large crocodile as a significant threat that needed to be removed from the wild.
The operation to capture the animal lasted three weeks, involving a team of professional crocodile hunters and roughly 100 villagers. When finally hooked, the massive reptile was aggressive, breaking the restraining ropes twice before being properly secured. On September 3, 2011, the crocodile was successfully brought onto land and transported to a specially constructed enclosure.
Certified Measurements and World Record Status
The definitive measurements were taken by a team of experts, including a British crocodile specialist, who sedated the animal in its new enclosure. The official length of Lolong was verified at 6.17 meters, which translates to 20 feet and 3 inches from the tip of his snout to the end of his tail.
His weight was officially recorded at approximately 1,075 kilograms (2,370 pounds). This measurement was taken using a truck weigh-bridge. In June 2012, Guinness World Records officially certified Lolong as the “largest crocodile in captivity.” This size surpassed the previous record holder, an Australian saltwater crocodile, by more than two feet.
Species Context: Why Saltwater Crocodiles Grow So Large
Lolong belonged to the species Crocodylus porosus, the saltwater crocodile, which is recognized as the largest living reptile globally. Adult males of this species can routinely reach sizes between 5 and 6 meters, with weights exceeding 1,000 kilograms. Lolong’s size, while exceptional, is a testament to the growth potential of this apex predator.
The immense size is attributed to a combination of factors, including a lengthy lifespan, a rich diet, and a favorable environment. Saltwater crocodiles can live for many decades, and their growth rate slows but never truly stops, allowing them to accumulate significant mass over time. Lolong was estimated to be over 50 years old, providing him with decades of sustained growth in the resource-rich Agusan Marsh.
Lolong’s Preservation and Ongoing Legacy
Lolong died on February 10, 2013, after a little over a year and five months in captivity. A necropsy determined the cause of death to be pneumonia and cardiac arrest, aggravated by a fungal infection. His passing was a moment of public mourning in the Philippines, as the crocodile had become a symbol of the area’s rich, wild ecosystem.
Following his death, the local government decided to preserve the animal for educational and cultural purposes. Lolong’s taxidermied remains are now on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila. His preserved body continues to draw tourists and scientists, serving as a reminder of the sheer scale of the world’s largest reptile.