PETA calls for release of 'Lolong'

MANILA, Philippines - An animal rights group urged the Philippines yesterday to free what is thought to be the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, even though it allegedly killed two people.

The 6.4-meter male saltwater crocodile was placed in a penned pond after it was caught in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on Sept. 3, with officials planning to use it as a tourist attraction once it adapts to its cage.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) senior Asia-Pacific campaigner Ashley Fruno said that despite suspicion it is a man-eater, the reptile was better off being returned to the wild, away from human settlements.

“(The government) should do the compassionate thing and order this crocodile to be returned to his natural habitat, as taking him away to be locked up in an animal prison is just plain wrong,” she wrote to AFP.

Penned animals are prone to psychotic behavior and its immense size and power could prove dangerous to visitors and those caring for it, she warned.

“While even those zoos with the best intentions can never replicate the natural environment of animals, how do they expect to come remotely close with a crocodile roughly two or three times the size of a regular adult?”

But Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said it would be best for the crocodile to remain under their care.

“We understand PETA and their concern but we will be able to take care of the animal better and be able to study it as well. It’s difficult because it is threatened and people may capture and hurt it and that would be more dangerous for the animal,” he said.

“We know what we are doing and we promise we will take care of crocodile Lolong,” he added.

Paje also said rules have already been put in place in the area in Bunawan where the crocodile is being kept.

“A set of rules are now strictly being observed and for the meantime, spectators are not allowed to go near the animal.

Only the experts and scientists are authorized to linger in the area and check on the crocodile,” Paje said.

The giant crocodile was captured a week ago in Bunawan town through the combined efforts of the local government and a team from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center under the DENR.

“Lolong is possibly suffering from too much stress and

shock right now given a sudden change of environment, of what used to be his habitat. There was also a time that he was tied and gagged. However, it is unlikely that he will get sick or even die soon because of this. This type of animal can survive for months even without food,” Paje said amid reports that Lolong has not been eating for a week.  - AP, Rhodina Villanueva