PETA lauds Mlang town execs for releasing "Malang"

MANILA, Philippines - International group  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on Friday lauded the move of the local government of Mlang town in North Cotabato to return to the wild Malang, the 2 .9 meter crocodile captured at a spot of a delta two weeks ago.

In a statement, PETA said Malang's capture by fishermen in the first place was unlawful.

"Malang's capture was illegal under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. PETA is pleased to see the local government of Mlang taking a firm stance on wildlife protection by releasing Malang back into the wild. Mayor Joselito Piñol is to be commended," the group said.

PETA also recognized the advocacy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, pushing for advocating the release of Malang and not allowing her to meet the same fate as saltwater crocodile Lolong.

"Lolong's capture and subsequent exploitative confinement caused his untimely death. A necropsy found that Lolong died from late-stage pneumonia, cardiac failure, multiple organ failure, and non-adaptive stress response—all of which can be attributed to his captivity.

"In the wild, crocodiles spend hours swimming and can regulate the buoyancy and temperature—called "thermo-regulation"—of their bodies. No enclosure—no matter how large—is able to provide crocodiles with everything that is natural and important to them," the group added.

Lolong has been placed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest crocodile in captivity, measuring 20 feet and three inches. Lolong weighed 2,370 pounds.