Manila: Guinness World Records has declared that a huge crocodile blamed for deadly attacks in the southern Philippines is the largest in captivity in the world.
The giant reptile has brought pride, fear, tourism revenues and attention to the previously little-known town where it was captured last year.
Guinness spokeswoman Anne-Lise Rouse says the saltwater crocodile nicknamed "Lolong" measured 20.24 feet (6.17 meters) and weighed more than a ton. It was captured last November in Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur province.
Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said today that he was notified by Guinness of the giant reptile`s new distinction last month. The news sparked celebrations in his town of 37,000 people and concerns that more giant crocodiles might be lurking nearby.
PTI
