Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit.
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| Bunawan arc |
That exhibit is named
Lolong, the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011.
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| Lolong |
In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title.
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| A young kid views the croc 5 times his size |
Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the "
World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity".
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| Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests |
Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde then announced that they are actually on the tail of another gigantic crocodile believed to be much larger than Lolong. With that announcement they started the construction of a much larger crocodile pen beside Lolong's enclosure.
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| Lolong's enclosure |
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| The enclosure for the "other" giant croc |
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| My first visit in Bunawan. (forgive my grin, I just had my braces and I'm in pain. LOL) |
I was lucky enough to be one of the first to visit and take a glimpse of Lolong last year because sadly, Lolong was found dead at around 8PM of February 10, 2013.
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| Try out the Lolong bread |
Lolong's death would surely have a devastating blow to the tourism industry of Bunawan. It was recorded that during Lolong's two year captivity in the ecopark, the town earned millions of pesos from donations and from the entrance and parking fees.
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| We chose to walk up to Bunawan Ecopark (challenging) |
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| Near the entrance |
Although it was a short term popularity boost for a least known town in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Lolong would forever be part of the history of the country. He would surely be missed.
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| R.I.P. Lolong "The Largest Captive Crocodile in the World". Feb. 10, 2013 |
Getting there:
Airline companies offer flights to Butuan Airport (Bancasi Airport) in Agusan Del Norte. From there you could ride a bus going to Davao City. Tell the conductor to drop you off at the Bunawan Arc.
bus fare: P200-250
From there rent a habal-habal to Barangay Consuelo.
habal-habal fare: P50-80
Ratings:
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| Crowd (before) |
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| Cleanliness |
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| Overall rating |
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