Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, three to fours hours' drive away from Davao City, is the home to Lolong, the world's biggest crocodile, as confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Thanks to Lolong, this first-class municipality became a popular destination by the animal enthusiasts or simply the curious tourists.
Minimal entrance and parking fees are collected upon entering Bunawan Ecopark, where Lolong, the world's largest crocodile, is housed. See photo above for the rates.
For 10 pesos, you can rent umbrellas being offered by some kids at the entrance or parking lot of the ecopark.
Ta-dah! Presenting the world's biggest crocodile -- Lolong! At the time of his capture, Lolong was measured as 6.4 meters (21 feet) long and weighed 1,075 kilograms (2,370 pounds). Lolong was caught in a creek in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, on September 2001.
While being interviewed, I overheard that "Manong" has gained years and years of experience growing crocodiles in Palawan until he was carefully selected and asked to take care of Lolong, the world's biggest crocodile.
Souvenir shirts for sale at P250 or P350 each. I cannot remember the exact price.
I read somewhere that PAWB is recommending Lolong's release back in the wild. Why??? So that the world record for the biggest captive crocodile will go back to Australia's Cassius Clay??? Goodness gracious. Lolong is doing fine in captivity, where he won't be a threat to people and his health can be monitored-- thereby prolonging his life compared to being in the wild where he can be shot by poachers.
ReplyDeleteI am from Singapore and I must say that Lolong is one amazing croc. It would be awesome if the authorities in the Philippines can come down to Singapore Zoo to take a look at the crocodile enclosure-- in Singapore one of the main features of the reptile exhibit is a huge "aquarium" (with thick glass of course) where you can see the huge croc even when it goes underwater. If the Philippines can manage to build a similar enclosure, wow, that would be a fantastic way to showcase Lolong to the world (and the croc will be happier).
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