‘Lolong’ tissue samples sent to UP-Los Baños

MANILA, Philippines - Tissue samples of giant crocodile “Lolong” have been sent to the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna to determine the cause of the animal’s death, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Director Theresa Mundita Lim said yesterday.

Lim said the tissue sample would be examined and processed at the UPLB-College of Veterinary Medicine.

“There is a need to check it so later we can consolidate the findings and come up with a definite statement as to the cause of Lolong’s death,” said Lim.

She said they are directly coordinating with Dr. Em Lastica, of the UPLB-College of Veterinary Medicine, who said the process would take some two weeks.

Lolong, who died last Feb. 10, was buried Wednesday at an eco-park in Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur.

Authorities planned to exhume and re-assemble the reptile’s bones, and to stuff its skin. It would be displayed in a museum that would be built in the memory of the biggest crocodile held in captivity.

Lim said Lolong’s remains, except its skull and skin, were buried.

“The skeleton will be retrieved and will be used in taxidermy together with the skin,” she added.

The saltwater crocodile was captured at the Magsagangsang River in Bunawan, in September last year.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said Lolong’s death is a significant loss to the agency and the country’s crocodile conservation program.