Pangil, One of the PH’s Largest Saltwater Crocodiles, Has Died
He was estimated to be 85 to 90 years old.
(SPOT.ph) One of the Philippines' largest saltwater crocodiles, Pangil, has passed away at approximately 85 to 90 years old.
The Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo confirmed that he died on January 25, 2025, from cancer—or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma—that had spread throughout his body.
Towering at 18 feet, Pangil was the flagship animal at the Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo. He was considered the largest saltwater crocodile in captivity in the Philippines following the death of Lolong in 2013.
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Pangil's life in captivity
Pangil was rescued from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, the same location where Lolong was discovered. According to wildlife veterinarian Nielsen Donato, Pangil was shot in the wild, leaving a deep scar at the base of his tail, which ultimately led to his captivity.
“Often you would always hide from people, eat only what is enough for you, protect your territory so there is balance. Your species never destroyed the environment. Very far from what some people in our country are comparing you with,” Donato said in a post.
Pangil’s health took a turn in early 2022 when caretakers noticed a mass on his left hind limb. Subsequent tests revealed he had squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Despite aggressive medical treatment and surgery, the disease metastasized, affecting multiple organs. His condition worsened in recent months, ultimately leading to multi-systemic organ failure.
The park’s team worked tirelessly to keep him comfortable in his final months, but by January 25, his body could no longer fight the illness.
In a statement, Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo honored Pangil as a “symbol of strength, wonder, and the rich biodiversity of our country.”
“Pangil’s legacy will forever be etched in the heart of the park and in the lives of the many people he inspired. While we mourn his loss, we find comfort in knowing that he lived a full and meaningful life, serving as a cornerstone of our mission to promote wildlife conservation and awareness,” Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo said in a post.
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