Lolong's transfer to QC lagoon eyed

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to transfer giant crocodile “Lolong” from the fenced pond in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, to the lagoon of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) compound in Quezon City.

PAWB Director Mundita Lim said that the bureau could take care of Lolong, who could be released in the seven-hectare lagoon.

The lagoon is part of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, a zoological and botanical garden, along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

The PAWB manages the 65-hectare park and the bureau’s office is located inside the park.

“The lagoon could be a good habitat for Lolong although particular measures would be undertaken before the final transfer, such as the issue of safety and security and also of those visiting the reptile,” said Lim.

Lolong is kept in a fenced pond at the remote barangay of Consuelo in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

Lim said bureau employees are closely monitoring Lolong until he feeds on his own as his condition remains to be guarded.

Lolong had been confirmed to be the largest crocodile in captivity in the country.

Local government officials and a team from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) have captured the crocodile in Bunawan last month.

Lim said that aside from the large lagoon the Ninoy Aquino Park has an aquarium, a playground, a botanical garden, and a Wildlife Rescue Center, which the DENR uses as a temporary shelter for endangered species that were injured, confiscated, retrieved, donated, or abandoned. The park also houses several species of indigenous plants and animals.

She said bureau officials have not yet discussed with Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde the planned transfer of Lolong.

“The mayor has become very attached to the animal that he says even at night, he discusses the welfare of the crocodile with his wife. He somehow already ‘internalized’ his relationship with Lolong.”

Lim said Lolong could also be accommodated at Palawan Wildlife Conservation and Crocodile Preservation Center where other saltwater crocodiles are now being kept.

“That way, we could see if the animal will be able to adapt to its new habitat,” she added.

Lim said that Lolong’s condition is now improving compared to the time that it was captured.

“Mayor Elorde said that although the crocodile still refuses to eat, it already showed signs of being active especially at night.”

She said that after capture, Lolong was expected to lose its appetite. However, the animal’s environment in captivity has been improved, with the deepening of the pond to allow Lolong to completely submerge.

Meanwhile, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said if the planned transfer pushes through, it could also be arranged for visitors of Lolong to be charged a minimal fee so that this could also become a source of revenue.

“However, this will have to be discussed and finalized,” he added.