Lolong's death tragic but not surprising -- PETA

MANILA, Philippines - An international animal welfare group on Monday said the death of the world's largest crocodile in captivity, Lolong,  is "tragic" but not "surprising.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals noted that scientific studies showed that animals kept in captivity die earlier than those in the wild.

"While the exact cause of Lolong's death is still being investigated, scientific studies have shown that captive animals die younger than their wild counterparts. Lolong suffered and died because people wanted to make money off his captivity," PETA said in a statement.
The group also noted that Lolong should have been released in the wild where the crocodile should be

"Lolong spent his last 18 months alone in a concrete pen, instead of in the Agusan Marsh, where he belongs..They are nocturnal and, in their natural homes, feed primarily at night. Crocodiles shun contact with humans, and captive crocodiles like Lolong never become "tame," PETA said.

The group also called on the local government of Bunawan to refrain from capturing and keeping wild animals in a cages.

"These genetic imperatives are compelling, and the way that they are fulfilled in the wild cannot be replicated in captivity. When you consider the immense size and strength of Lolong, there is no doubt that being contained in a cramped enclosure caused him extreme distress and misery.

"PETA hopes that this incident will motivate the government to move away from capturing animals from the wild
in order to keep them locked in cages," the group said.