There have been many questions that have arisen on this topic and I would like to take a moment to answer a few of them in a sane & mature matter…
How the heck did I even GET an alligator?
I have worked with, and continue to work with several wildlife educational facilities in New England that are licensed for wildlife outreach programs. As a founder of a reptile rescue organization I have a unique opportunity to interact with some of the more “advanced” species, such as alligators, caiman, large monitors, giant constrictors etc. It is through my colleagues in these organization that I was able to receive a juvenile alligator to use for my own outreach programs as is permitted by the 2 state permits & animal shelter licensing I currently possess. This animal was transferred to me from my colleagues, who have determined that I currently possess the knowledge and capacity necessary to provide adequate care for the creature. Let me reiterate that this is not “A PET” and never will be considered as such. In order to even acquire such an animal as this I have had to maintain State-issued licensing which requires inspection and meeting very specific guidelines on housing, sanitation, and care. I pay approximately $700 a year for the various permits that I possess, and have to allow an inspection every 6 months in order to maintain this status.
How am I going to continue to house this animal?
The alligator resides in my home & private residence at this time. Yes, my immediate setup is not sufficient for an ADULT alligator. I know this, and it’s ridiculous of me to assume that I am going to keep this animal IN MY HOUSE for the rest of it’s life. That is NOT the plan… Fortunately there is a long-term and much more reasonable plan already in place. My unique partnership with the organizations I currently work with, does allow for expansion of not only my current premises, but a long-term plan for any animals I take into my home. This is an existing legal partnership with agreeable parties to grow an organization into a public facility as a long-term plan & goal. Yes, I currently maintain private ownership of this animal… but legally it is an animal that belongs to the organization which is in the process of becoming it’s own self-sustaining entity. With any luck, it may only be a matter of a couple of years before UVRG is the area’s only zoo!.. at which point I can happily quit my IT job and begin a full-time career as a zookeeper. And, even if we were to look at worse-case scenario... say my organization falls and I have to "give it up" This alligator HAS a home if necessary with one of the organizations that I am partnered with. Believe it or not, it is not uncommon for zoos and other facilities to "lend out" juvenile alligators until they reach a length that is too dangerous to work with for public demonstrations... however I am going to do my darndest to see about keeping this animal within my care for as long as it lives, and should I fail to meet that challenge the appropriate alternatives have already been arranged.
Do I even know what I’m doing?
You know, probably only vaguely… really, when it comes down to it this is the first alligator I have worked with from a baby so in reality this is very much a learning experience. I can only estimate on it’s growth rate, housing requirements, and cost to keep based on the knowledge I’ve been provided by those who I’ve been working with. I am very fortunate to have certain resources at my disposal whenever a question comes up. I am even more fortunate to have the backing of people who can help me along the way to provide the best possible for this animal while giving me such an incredible opportunity. I don’t know if this animal will continue to be as docile as the 7-footer that I’ve met at another facility was, nor do I have any idea if I am going to continue to make the same income I am making now in 3 years. There are no real guarantees here, but that’s all part of the challenge of it.
