Officials Remove 750-Pound Alligator Named Alex from Upstate New York Residence
A resident in upstate New York bid farewell to his extraordinary companion, Alex the alligator, as authorities intervened and discovered the reptile was being unlawfully harbored in the home.
An unusual pet had to be taken away from a man in upstate New York because it was found out that he was keeping the reptile illegally.
The pet alligator, which was 11 feet long and weighed 750 pounds, was confiscated by Environmental Conservation police officers from a home in Hamburg. This information was shared in a Facebook post by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Officers discovered that the owner of the home had constructed an addition to his house and set up an in-ground swimming pool for his approximately 30-year-old alligator. Allegedly, he also permitted members of the public to enter the water and pet the unrestrained alligator, according to a Facebook post.
An alligator at a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, needed an emergency procedure late last week to remove dozens of coins from its stomach, zoo officials said. A total of 70 metal coins were found inside Thibodaux, a 36-year-old alligator, according to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. "A plastic pipe was placed to protect his mouth and safely pass the tools used to access the coins, such as a camera that helped us guide the retrieval of these objects, veterinarian Christina Ploog said in a statement from the zoo. The coins were found during a routine examination on the animal. All were successfully removed. Ploog believes the coins were likely thrown into the animals habitat by visitors. Guests should not throw coins into any bodies of water at the Zoo, the facility said in a statement.
An alligator at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, recently underwent an emergency procedure to remove 70 metal coins from its stomach. Thibodaux, the 36-year-old alligator, had the coins safely retrieved with the help of a plastic pipe to protect his mouth and specialized tools like a camera. Veterinarian Christina Ploog shared that the coins were discovered during a routine examination and successfully removed. It is believed that the coins were thrown into the alligator's habitat by visitors, prompting the zoo to remind guests not to throw coins into any bodies of water on the premises.
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70 coins removed from stomach of alligator at Nebraska zoo
Albert, the giant creature, was given his name as reported by CNN affiliate WKBW. Tony Cavallaro proudly refers to himself as Albert's dad, emphasizing the strong bond they share. "He's more than just a pet, he's a beloved member of our family," Cavallaro expressed to WKBW.
Cavallaro shared with WKBW that his license to own Albert had expired in 2021. He attempted to renew it with the Department of Environmental Conservation but was unsuccessful.
The department informed WKBW that even if the owner had a valid license, any public contact with the animal is not allowed. This is considered a violation and could result in the revocation of the license and the relocation of the animal.
Environmental Conservation officers, along with local police and the Erie County SPCA, collaborated to confiscate the alligator, as stated in a Facebook post. The reptile is suffering from various health issues, such as blindness in both eyes and spinal complications, according to the department.
Albert is currently under the care of a licensed caretaker until arrangements can be made for his permanent care, as mentioned by the department.
The department stated that further examination of the evidence obtained during the warrant, along with input from a licensed veterinarian, will help determine if there will be any additional charges in the future.
It is against the law in New York to own any animal that is considered a "dangerous animal," such as alligators, without having a Dangerous Animal License issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation. To obtain this license, owners must demonstrate that they have the necessary training, experience, and facilities equipped with the required safety measures for each dangerous animal in their possession.
Hamburg is located in Erie County, New York, around 13 miles south of Buffalo.
Editor's P/S:
The incident in Hamburg, New York, highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and adherence to legal regulations. While it is understandable that the owner may have had a strong bond with his pet alligator, Albert, it is crucial to prioritize animal welfare and public safety. Alligators are wild animals with specific needs and can pose a significant risk if not handled appropriately. The fact that the owner allowed public interaction with the unrestrained alligator is a clear violation, and the confiscation of the reptile was justified.
Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that dangerous animals are kept under proper care and supervision. The Department of Environmental Conservation has established regulations to protect both the animals and the public. The owner's failure to renew his license and comply with the department's requirements indicates a lack of understanding of the responsibilities associated with owning such animals. It is encouraging that Albert is now under the care of a licensed caretaker and that legal action may be taken if necessary. This case serves as a reminder that the well-being of both animals and humans should be the paramount concern when it comes to the ownership of exotic or dangerous pets.
