Netizens mourn Lolong’s death

NETIZENS mourned the death of the world's largest crocodile in captivity, Lolong, which died on Sunday evening.

The hashtag #RIPLolong and word Lolong trended Monday morning in Twitter, taking the first and sixth places, respectively.

The netizens, who have not seen Lolong in his captivity, regretted not having the chance of visiting him.

One of them was Twitter user ZheeyMatTina -- ?@Zheeeeeym_: "Aww! Goodbye Lolong, the world's largest captive crocodile. Sayang hindi man lang kita nakita! :( #RIPLolong."

But, netizens, who had the chance to see Lolong, feel honored, like Moonlight Altonaga @iamnafeenicole, who said: "Blessed and honor to have seen Lolong twice. #RIPLolong."

The 21-foot, 1,075-kilogram saltwater crocodile was captured in a creek in the Bunawan in September 2011.

Lolong was named after crocodile hunter Ernesto "Lolong" Goloran Cañete died of a heart attack while searching for the animal.

Lolong was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest crocodile in captivity.

"He was measured by experienced handlers in his custom built enclosure at Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center, Philippines. Lolong's weight was also measured at a nearby truck weigh-bridge and verified as approximately 1075 kg (2370 lbs)," it said.

"The capture of the crocodile came after a two-year effort to remove the animal thought responsible for a young girl's death at Agusan Marsh in early March 2009, and later the disappearance of a fisherman close to Bunawan Village. Lolong is said to be healthy and in very good body condition following the regulatory three month monitoring period having exceeded whilst living in captivity," it added.

Charles Sibal @Charlessibal said: "RIP Lolong. Thank you for putting the name of the Philippines on Guinness Book Of World record. I'm proud of it. #RIPLolong."

For Facebook user, Haidene Go, "no brand of reptile-skin-made bags or shoes in this world (altogether) can equal the value and worth of Lolong."

"Play in peace big croc! :')," she posted.

"Good morning! #RIPLolong, he should be better kept out in the wild. We should let them live in their natural habitat, it's safest," Jm Antonio @poisonedJ tweeted.

Further, Sean Melendres @eVoluSEAN tweeted: "In the wild, he was a monster that time forgot. In captivity, it was only a matter of time before his demise. #RIPLolong."

Lolong died at 8:12 p.m., according to Dr. Alex Collantes of the Davao Crocodile Park in Davao City, who travelled to Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur on Sunday to check on the crocodile at the request of its keepers.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde said they have observed some irregularities with Lolong after the Typhoon Pablo devastated parts of Mindanao and Visayas last December.

Elorde said they are planning to ask the National Museum for help in preserving Lolong's remains.