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The Record-Breaking 23-Foot Crocodile!

crocodile
Saltwater crocodile. Image via Depositphotos

With sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and an impressive ability to swim and hunt, crocodiles truly make up a few of the world’s most dangerous animals. But what would you think of a crocodile that dwarfed all others in size? That’s right; we’re talking about the largest crocodile ever recorded, Lolong.

Introduction

saltwater crocodile
Saltwater crocodile. Image via Depositphotos

Whether you’re a fan of crocodiles or simply interested in learning more about the natural world, this article will surely provide plenty of interesting facts and insights. Stay tuned, and we’ll meet the monster of the river. But first, a look at some of the other largest crocodiles ever.

The World’s Largest Crocodiles

crocodile
Image via Depositphotos

Crocodiles are apex predators and have been around for millions of years. These formidable creatures are found in tropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Over the years of the animal craze, many people have reported “giant crocodiles,” but only a few have been officially measured and verified. Here are some of the largest crocodiles ever recorded:

Gustave – Unknown Length, Estimated Over 18 Feet (5.5 Meters)

Gustave the Nile crocodile. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Facts Machine
  • Gustave is rumored to have killed over three hundred people as a Nile Crocodile in Burundi.
  • Gustave’s size is unknown, but he has been estimated to be over 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length based on eyewitness reports.
  • The crocodile has a distinctive scar on his back, believed to be from a bullet wound.

Cassius – 17 Feet 11 Inches (5.48 Meters)

Cassius the Saltwater crocodile pictured at Marineland Crocodile Park. FFelxii, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Cassius was an Australian saltwater crocodile and the largest crocodile in captivity until Lolong was captured.
  • The crocodile lived at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island, Queensland, and weighed over 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg).
  • He is still alive today.

Brutus – Over 18 Feet (5.5 Meters)

Brutus, the boss of Adelaide River. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: May D
  • Brutus is another Australian saltwater crocodile and a popular tourist attraction at the Australian Reptile Park.
  • The crocodile was named after the Roman emperor because of his size and ferocity.
  • Brutus is estimated to be over 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length and weighs over 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg).

As impressive as these crocodiles are, the largest crocodile ever recorded was even bigger. Let’s take a closer look.

Unverified Claim: <23 Feet (7 Meters)

saltwater crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

There are unverified claims of even larger crocodiles in the wild. One such claim is of a saltwater crocodile from Cambodia, whose skull at the Paris Museum measures 760 mm (29.9 in) in dorsal cranial length alone, making it 8.6% longer than Lolong’s skull, thus implying the longer total length of the crocodile’s actual body.

The Record-Holder: Lolong – 23 Feet 3 Inches (7.01 Meters)

lolong
Lolong in his enclosure. MartyWilliams, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • As a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) originating from the Philippines, Lolong earned his place in World Records as the largest crocodile ever recorded (of course, in captivity).
  • The crocodile was named after a local hunter who helped capture it in 2011.
  • Lolong weighed over 2,370 pounds (1,075 kg) and measured 23 feet 3 inches (7.01 meters) in length.

Early Life of Lolong

lolong
Lolong, the giant saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), in captivity. Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. MartyWilliams, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Lolong was born in the late 1960s in the Agusan Marsh in the Philippines.
  • As a young saltwater crocodile, he was relatively small and would have had to compete with other predators in the area for food.

Discovery of Lolong

lolong
Taxidermied skin of Lolong at Philippine National Museum. Lara Mesoga, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • In September 2011, Lolong was discovered by locals in the town of Bunawan, Philippines.
  • He had attacked and killed a water buffalo, and his enormous size made him an instant celebrity.

Capture of Lolong

lolong
Taxidermy Lolong at the National Museum of Natural History. Maffeth.opiana, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • A team of experts was assembled to capture Lolong and bring him to a safer location.
  • After three weeks of trying to catch him, Lolong was finally captured in a metal trap baited with meat.

Life in Captivity

lolong
Maffeth.opiana, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Lolong was moved to a crocodile farm where he could be studied and cared for.
  • He was given a large enclosure with plenty of water and food and quickly adapted to life in captivity.

Death of Lolong

lolong
Preserved skeleton of Lolong at Philippine National Museum. Julan Shirwod Nueva, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • On the 10th of February 2013, Lolong died at around age 50.
  • It was conveyed he lost his life because of heart failure that followed a bout of pneumonia.
  • Despite his relatively short time in captivity, Lolong’s legacy as the largest crocodile ever recorded inspires awe and wonder in animal enthusiasts worldwide.

The Significance of Lolong

lolong
After his death, Lolong’s remains were preserved and are now displayed at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila, Philippines. Kabu Sawsaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The discovery of the largest croc ever recorded has significant implications for studying and conservating these amazing creatures. Let’s look at how the largest crocodile ever recorded has influenced the scientific community and public perception of crocodiles.

Increased Understanding of Crocodile Biology

Saltwater crocodile.
Australia zoo, beerwah, South queensland, Australia. Image via Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • The discovery of the largest crocodile ever recorded has allowed researchers to study the biology and behavior of these creatures in greater detail.
  • By analyzing the size, age, and other characteristics of Lolong, scientists have gained new insights into the growth and development of crocodiles.

Importance of Conservation Efforts

Resting
Crocodile resting. Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • The identification of the largest crocodile ever measured has underscored the urgency of conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding the natural habitats of these creatures.
  • As apex predators, crocodiles play a crucial role in their ecosystem, and their decline could significantly impact other species and the environment.

Public Perception of Crocodiles

Majestic Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Chamo lake, Arba Minch Ethiopia, Africa. Image via Depositphotos
  • The discovery of the largest ever recorded has captured the public’s imagination and sparked interest in these creatures.
  • By learning more about the largest one ever recorded and other species of crocodiles, people can gain a better understanding and love for the natural world.

Importance of Research

Saltwater Crocodile. Image via Depositphotos.
  • The discovery of the largest crocodile ever recorded has underscored the importance of continued research into these fascinating creatures.
  • By studying their behavior, biology, and ecology, researchers learn a lot more about the natural world and develop strategies for conserving and protecting them and nature itself.

Wrapping Up

crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, NT, Australia. Image via Depositphotos

The legacy of the largest crocodile ever recorded will continue to inspire and educate people for years to come, reminding us of the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world and the need to protect it.

Updated: 13 August 2024

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