The local and international attention that "Lolong" got after it was captured last week stressed the 21-foot crocodile that Bunawan town officials suspended on Wednesday public viewing to allow the now famous reptile some rest.

AFP reported that Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde ordered the temporary closure of public viewing because Lolong is still adjusting to a new environment and has not yet recovered from the stress of captivity. Mr Elorde added that town officials found it difficult to control the growing size of crowds attracted by the giant reptile.

Lolong is the temporary name of the croc as the sleepy village's tribute to hunter Ernesto "Lolong" Conate, who led the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation team flown to Agusan del Sur and charged with hunting the then loose and dangerous reptile. However, Mr Conate died of a heart attack while hunting.

Mr Elorde said the name of the crocodile as Lolong will become permanent after the town's legislature passes an ordinance for that purpose.

The mayor said the town would probably reopen to public viewing the captured reptile, which had broken the world record set by Australia, by Saturday if the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will give its go signal.

The size of the crocodile, which astounded the world, was viewed with skepticism by some people. Herpetologist Brady Barr told National Geographic News there is a need for an expert to verify the true length of Lolong.

The DENR is expected to submit official findings to the proper bodies to authenticate its claim that the crocodile is now the largest in captivity throughout the world.

The media frenzy created by Lolong led Bunawan authorities to hunt for other loose crocodiles in the area to ease the fear among residents because of several deaths attributed to the reptiles, and to boost croc stock for an ecotourism park the town plans to open.