World's largest croc dies

on 10/02/2013 16:47:27

The world's largest saltwater crocodile in captivity has died in the Philippines, leaving villagers in tears in a backwater town that shot to prominence because of the immense reptile.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde of Bunawan town in southern Agusan del Sur province said a veterinarian rushed to check the one-tonne crocodile after it flipped over with a bloated stomach today in its cage in an eco-tourism park.

The reptile was declared dead a few hours later.

Guinness World Records proclaimed the giant - blamed for several deadly attacks before its capture in 2011 - the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity last year, saying it measured 20.24ft.

Mr Elorde plans to have the crocodile preserved so villagers can still see the reptile that put their little-known town on the map.