Crocodiles are fascinating creatures that have existed on Earth for over 200 million years. These apex predators are vital to the ecosystem and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.
- Dominator is a massive saltwater crocodile known to jump out of the water, even though it measures over 18 feet and weighs around 2,000 pounds.
- It was found in the Philippines and weighs more than a metric ton.
See the incredible video of the Giant Crocodile ‘Dominator’ below!
Discover: The World’s Largest Captured Crocodile
Crocodiles are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. Their ferocious demeanor, massive size, and prehistoric appearance have made them one of the most iconic animals in the world.
One crocodile that left a lasting impression on the world was Lolong.
A Legendary Saltwater Crocodile
Lolong was a saltwater crocodile that lived in an unknown pond in the Philippines. He was a massive crocodile that terrorized the local community, and he was blamed for the deaths of several water buffaloes and the disappearance of two people.
The community was understandably frightened, and professional crocodile hunters were called in to capture Lolong.
In 2011, Lolong was finally caught, and it was discovered that he was the largest crocodile ever captured. Lolong measured an astonishing 20 feet and 3 inches long and weighed nearly 2,400 pounds.
His massive size made him a legend, and people from all over the world came to see him.
The Legacy of Lolong
After his capture, Lolong was transferred to Bunawan Ecopark in the Philippines, where spectators could purchase tickets to see him.
Unfortunately, the water in his enclosure had to be drained frequently for tourists to see him. And this was not ideal for Lolong’s health.
At the time of his capture, Lolong was over seventy years old and needed the water to prevent his organs from crushing themselves due to his tremendous weight.
Lolong’s death less than two years after his capture was a tragic event that saddened many people.
It is believed that the poor conditions in his enclosure contributed to his death. However, Lolong’s legacy lives on, and he has become a symbol of the importance of conservation efforts for crocodiles.
Lolong vs. Dominator
Dominator is a saltwater crocodile that was captured in the Philippines in 2009. He measured at 18 feet and 3 inches long and weighed over 2,000 pounds, making him one of the largest crocodiles ever recorded.
While he was a massive animal, Dominator did not have the same level of fame as Lolong, who captured the world’s attention with his enormous size.
Lolong’s size was truly remarkable, making him the largest saltwater crocodile whose measurement is reliable.
Dominator: The Video
Other Large Crocodiles Throughout History
Cassius
One massive crocodile was a saltwater crocodile named Cassius, who lived in a wildlife park in Australia. Cassius was measured at 17 feet and 11 inches long and weighed over 2,200 pounds. While Cassius was not as long as Lolong, he was still an enormous animal and holds the Guinness World Record for the most giant crocodile in captivity.
Gustave
Another enormous crocodile was a saltwater crocodile named Gustave, who lived in Burundi, Africa. Gustave was known for his size and predatory behavior, as he was believed to have killed over 300 people.
How big is Gustave the crocodile now? While Gustave’s exact measurements were never confirmed, it is believed that he measured at least 18 feet long and weighed around 2,000 pounds.
Gomek
Gomek was a saltwater crocodile that was captured in Papua New Guinea in the 1980s and brought to the United States.
He became a popular attraction at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida. Gomek was known for his impressive size and gentle temperament, which was unusual for a crocodile of his size.
He measured 17 feet and 9 inches long and weighed over 2,000 pounds.
Gomek’s popularity grew over the years, and he was even featured in a National Geographic special in 1991. However, tragedy struck in 1997 when Gomek passed away due to natural causes.
To this day, Gomek remains a beloved figure in the world of crocodile conservation.
Lolita
Lolita is not a crocodile but was once considered the world’s largest captive crocodile. She is a captive killer whale living in the Miami Seaquarium in Florida.
Lolita was captured in 1970 in Puget Sound, Washington, and measures an impressive 21 feet long. She was sold to the Miami Seaquarium and renamed Lolita.
Despite her size, Lolita has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to her living conditions. Many animal rights activists have called for her release into the wild or into a larger, more natural enclosure.
However, the Miami Seaquarium has maintained that Lolita is well-cared for and that her enclosure meets all legal requirements.
In any case, Lolita’s size remains an impressive feat of nature, and she continues to draw crowds to the Miami Seaquarium.
Brutus
Brutus is a saltwater crocodile that lives in the Adelaide River in Australia. He is estimated to be around 80 years old and measures over 16 feet long.
While he is not as large as some of the other crocodiles on this list, Brutus is still an impressive animal, and he is known for his distinctive missing front leg, which was likely lost in a fight with another crocodile.
Where Do Crocodiles Live?
Crocodiles are found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. They inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and sometimes brackish water near coasts.
What Do Crocodiles Eat?
Crocodiles are carnivorous and have a varied diet that includes fish, birds, mammals, and occasionally smaller reptiles. They are opportunistic hunters and can also scavenge if necessary.
How Big Do Crocodiles Get?
Crocodiles can grow to impressive sizes. The saltwater crocodile, the largest species, can reach lengths of up to 23 feet and weigh over 2,200 pounds. Other species, like the Nile crocodile, also grow quite large but typically not as massive.
How Long Can Crocodiles Live?
Crocodiles have long lifespans, often living between 70 to 100 years in the wild. Some individuals in captivity have been known to live even longer.
How Do Crocodiles Hunt?
Crocodiles are ambush predators, relying on stealth and surprise to catch their prey. They often lie in wait, partially submerged, and then use their powerful jaws to snap shut on unsuspecting animals, dragging them into the water to drown.
Conclusion
Crocodiles are amazing. Almost like the last dinosaurs alive?
Thank you for reading!
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, Italy, China and Germany gave me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver, went to Everest Base Camp and Trekked Gorillas in Uganda. I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Finance.
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