Lolong necropsy report due in 2 weeks

RESULTS of the necropsy performed on Lolong, the world's largest crocodile in captivity, could be out as early as two weeks, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Tuesday.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the necropsy report will be made public once it is released by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine (UPLB-CVM), where tissue samples from Lolong’s vital organs are currently undergoing histopathological evaluation.

"The study will determine any illnesses Lolong may have had that may or may not have led to his death, and how long he may have had them. It is a long, painstaking process that cannot be rushed to ensure accurate results," said Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Director Theresa Mundita Lim.

The tissue samples were provided by a team of veterinarians and other experts sent by the DENR to Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, upon learning that Lolong was found dead on February 10 at an eco-tourism park that served as its home since it was captured in September 2011.

"The necropsy is just the initial step in determining the cause of Lolong's death. There are still several studies to be done, and the results could be out in as early as two weeks, but may take longer," said Paje.

In the meantime, Paje asked the public and the media not to speculate over the cause of the crocodile's death pending the result of the necropsy.

He said official details of the investigation shall be coursed through Lim.

Lim also junked reports stating that Lolong died after having ingested nylon rope.

"The team did not find any foreign objects in his stomach, save for a few small pebbles which are usually present among crocodiles that feed in the wild," she said.

Lolong's organs are currently preserved for further study. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)