Lolong has passed

[Ryodraco]

Just read this depressing news. Cause of death is still unknown. Philippine town mourns largest captive crocodile - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/philippine-town-mourns-largest-captive-crocodile-005603826.html)

He did live there for over a year, and I'd like to think that they did all they could to take proper care of him. I wouldn't be surprised if his death was simply due to old age, given his immense size. It's truly a shame to lose such a magnificent creature regardless, but at least there is hope that others like him (possibly even larger) still survive in the region, and hopefully his story will inspire the people to keep the area preserved for future giants to live.

Really Lolong was such an inspiring animal. Before him I had kind of given up hope of seeing such a immense crocodile alive, but his existence showed that historical giants are still out there, perhaps even recovering in some areas from all the hunting pressure. I still may never see such a creature in person, but it was amazing to see the films and photos regardless, for once a animal whose size did not need to be exaggerated.

[rmfsnakes32]

Awww thats to bad

[infernalis]

R.I.P. that's unfortunate.

[TheSnakeChild]

that's very sad, slowly our ancient and giant reptile friends are tragically dying, it's a very very sad time

[Ryodraco]

that's very sad, slowly our ancient and giant reptile friends are tragically dying, it's a very very sad time
As I recall until Lolong there was scant evidence that any crocodiles over 20 feet lived, if anything his existence brings hope, especially when there is evidence of other such giants in his apparently very healthy habitat.

As I understand it the top lengths of salties in Australia has grown over time as well since they became protected.

[TheSnakeChild]

As I recall until Lolong there was scant evidence that any crocodiles over 20 feet lived, if anything his existence brings hope, especially when there is evidence of other such giants in his apparently very healthy habitat.

As I understand it the top lengths of salties in Australia has grown over time as well since they became protected.
well also, it's sad to see these huge giants dying, like massive tortoises and such...it's just...so very sad...

[infernalis]

I will get some information together for you Kayleigh, The BBC has some superb documentaries that detail just exactly how badly our planet is really falling apart.

[jarich]

Tom Crutchfields comments are pretty interesting about the lack of depth in the water they gave it being a possible reason. He said they need deeper water to take the weight of their giant bodies off of their organs. A very convincing argument in my opinion.

[alessia55]

That's sad ... :hmm:

[Ryodraco]

Tom Crutchfields comments are pretty interesting about the lack of depth in the water they gave it being a possible reason. He said they need deeper water to take the weight of their giant bodies off of their organs. A very convincing argument in my opinion.
Indeed, although I had the impression in the special I watched on him that Lolong's enclosure's pool was deeper than it appeared, and that it had been drained so he could be measured, as I saw another film from a tourist that showed Lolong in what appeared to be water that was a good deal deeper. Still I don't know how deep it would need to be to be proper for a crocodile that size.

But if depth was a problem, resulting in organ injury and inability to breathe (one way whales die when they beach themselves), then how could he live for over a year like that? I suppose you are talking about less severe injuries that could accumulate over time due to lack of water depth.

[jarich]

Yes, I believe he was referring to chronic pressure related injuries to organs, and not to any immediate inability to breathe.

[Donnie]

I am sure there was a documentary on recently that I watched showing the capture of him but I can't be certain it was him, its a shame he has gone such a lovely specimen

[aaron_cg]

That's sad.

[Ryodraco]

Apparently the initial autopsy didn't reveal the cause of death (so presumably there was no easily-visible organ damage), but tissue samples have been sent out for further analysis. it may take weeks for them to finish though.

[tasdevil]

He died because of pneumonia and cardiac arrest, which was aggravated by a fungus infection and stress.

[bighoff]

From what I seen the enclosure was big but not proper. It looked like there was no where for the giant to become completely dry.