I had the enormous pleasure and privilege of meeting Chicago’s hottest herp celebrity, the Chicago River alligator, last Wednesday at the monthly meeting of the Chicago Herpetological Society. He had been netted a day earlier by CHS member and volunteer gator rescuer Bob, a reptile expert who prefers anonymity outside the club’s circle. Now Bob was supporting the 3-foot crocodilian on his left arm, the animal’s shoulder girdle in his left hand and the tail firmly clamped between his arm and side. (This is the best way to hold small crocodilians and large lizards, both of which can do damage with their powerful tails.)
With his right hand, Bob was pointing out what good condition the juvenile alligator was in, from its weight to its skin to its teeth, even after a few days in the river, which is posted with swim bans. Thank goodness for tough, waterproof skin. But as soon as he got the gator settled at a temporary holding place, Bob bathed it with a veterinary disinfectant.
From the gator’s willingness to be held—and unwillingness to open its mouth—it appears to have been handled often and treated well. Just a small rub mark on its snout indicates that perhaps it had outgrown its enclosure. It’s a shame, and kind of puzzling, that a well-cared-for animal would be released in a way that would jeopardize it.
Hobbyist organizations like the Chicago Herpetological Society are the best place to put unwanted exotic pets up for adoption. Chicago Animal Care and Control also has contacts for getting specialty pets into appropriate new homes. The Chicago River is no place for a nice little alligator—or any other aquatic pet.
Posted by Karen Furnweger, web editor
So glad the little guy is in good health!
Posted by: Julia Karr | September 05, 2010 at 11:20 AM