World’s Biggest Crocodile Should Be Set Free (VIDEO)
If you thought those hideous rubber shoes were the scariest Crocs on the scene, think again. Philippine hunters just captured a gigantic crocodile this weekend in a saltwater marsh on the southern island of Mindinao. Stretching an alarming 21 feet long and weighing about 2,370 pounds, it's possible this croc, which they've named Lolong, is the biggest saltwater croc ever to be captured. It took over 100 people to wrassle Lolong into captivity after 30 or so men spent three weeks tracking the aquatic beast. After a 12-year-old girl's head was bitten off two years ago, and after a local man went missing recently, and after someone said they saw a behemoth croc take down a water buffalo (yikes) ... the hunt was on for the epic reptile.
But now that they've caught him, they're not satisfied. In fact, they think they've got the wrong enormous croc. The bigger one, the one causing all the harm, is still on the loose.
After the captured croc was forced to vomit, officials found no human nor water buffalo remains in his stomach. So yeah, wrong guy. Gulp. Lolong is already the biggest saltwater croc ever captured (the previous record holder was a measly 18 feet), so if Lolong turns out to be "Loshort" compared to his buddy still out in the wild, we could be in for a real surprise.
But know something? I'm all for safety and keeping danger away from any community, but I don't know ... do these massive, amazing creatures need to be captured? Lolong is going to spend the rest of his life in an eco-tourism park yet to be built (where's he going in the meantime?) and is slated to be the biggest attraction. Now that doesn't seem right. If these Herculean creatures are put in cages to be gawked at by tourists, that's unfair. (Let it be known I'm also not a fan of zoos in general ... the elephant houses are some of the saddest places on Earth.)
If these colossal crocs are causing a threat and are harming people, by all means, I understand that actions need to be taken. But can't they be moved? Relocated to another saltwater marsh a little less (humanly) populated? Yeah that still takes them out of their home and habitat, but at least it's not captivity.
What do you think?
WATCH Lolong's capture:
Photo via Fayes4Art/Flickr
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cocobeannns
I agree with you. Captivity is not the answer.
momversuswild
That thing is HEEEEUGE!!!! I'm not a creepy, crawly lover. I say captivity is fine if folks are in danger.
MrsNewman
Amazing, he's like a SCI-FI sized crock. I think he should be put somewhere, away from people and just left alone. He's only doing what he was born to do.
Amabo Karab
desi
BooksnBoys
I think he should definitely stay in captivity. Any animal that has killed multiple humans,especially in a largely populated area like this, is a real danger. The park they are building for him is supposed to be HUGE for the local economy and the truth of the matter is that people learn about the importance of natural habitats and preserving them at places like zoos.
TAG_ur_it
good lord! looks like it came straight from Lake Placid lol.
Jura
Courtney Paige Neale
Sadly, captivity seems like the best solution.
Ethan Ley