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Pangil, one of PH's largest saltwater crocodiles, dies

Published Jan 31, 2025 1:24 pm

One of the country's largest saltwater crocodiles, Pangil, has died.

According to Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo, its flagship animal, Pangil, passed away on Jan. 25 due to complications from metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

"Despite extensive medical care and surgical intervention, the cancer had spread, ultimately leading to multi-systemic organ failure," it said in its statement.

"For decades, Pangil has been a symbol of strength, wonder, and the rich biodiversity of our country. He was not just an attraction at Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo; he was a treasured icon, inspiring countless visitors to appreciate the beauty and importance of wildlife. His incredible presence left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of seeing him, reminding us all of the awe-inspiring creatures that inhabit our world," it continued.

The zoo said that Pangil's legacy will always be remembered.

"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," it wrote. "As Pangil rests peacefully, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have shared in his journey, celebrated his life, and supported our commitment to preserving the natural world. Let us honor his memory by continuing to protect and respect the wildlife that enriches our lives."

It thanked Pangil for the shared memories and the valuable lessons learned.

"You will forever remain an icon of Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo. We love you, Pangil," the statement ended.

In early 2022, a mass developed on Pangil's left hindlimb, growing to golf ball size by mid-year and later diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, his medical report stated.

While medication helped minimize the size, the mass grew bigger into the size of a tennis ball. He underwent surgery on Aug. 11, 2023 to remove his digits and the surrounding tissue of the growth.

By mid-2024, Pangil's left hindlimb grew bigger again. "Although this time there was no clear single growth or lesion visible on the outside of the leg, this was a clear indication that cancer had come back and was starting to metastasize," the report said, adding that the growth had spread to his entire leg and possibly his other body parts.

"Surgery was not advisable anymore, as it was unclear at this point how far the tumors had spread," it continued.

"By the beginning of 2025, Pangil was also not eating anymore and was starting to get weaker. On January 25, 2025, Pangil passed away in his pen."

While a necropsy was not performed, Pangil's attending veterinarian, Dr. Bayani Vandenbroeck, concluded that the likely cause of death was multi-systemic organ failure secondary to metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

Pangil was approximately 85 to 90 years old, Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo said.