Mayor urged to return huge croc to wild

ANIMAL rights activists are urging Philippine authorities to return a captured giant crocodile back to the wild.

The mayor of the town where it was caught refuses, saying it poses a threat to his constituents.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said yesterday that the 20ft saltwater crocodile nicknamed Lolong should be returned to its natural habitat. It said if the beast remains in captivity it will develop abnormal and self-destructive behaviour.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde of Agusan del Sur province’s Bunawan township said about 1,300 residents who rely on fishing in nearby marshlands could be attacked by the crocodile, believed to be the world’s largest in captivity.

Elorde said the one-ton crocodile hasn’t eaten since being captured, possibly because of stress. But crocodiles can live for several months without eating.