- The Hamburger let visitors get into the pool with the alligator to pet it
- The owner has built a special extension to his house to protect the large reptile
- The 30-year-old alligator suffered from blindness in both eyes and spinal problems
On Wednesday, a 10-foot, 1,500-pound blind alligator was taken from a home in upstate New York.
The 30-year-old alligator, nicknamed Albert, lived in a man’s home on Marie Drive in Hamburg, New York.
Environmentalists say the man designed his home to fit the alligator.
He built an addition to his house that was equipped with an indoor swimming pool for his prehistoric pet.
Conservationists claimed the alligator’s owner let visitors into the pool with the reptile to pet it
Environmentalists say the man designed his home to fit the alligator
Wildlife officials alleged the man, whose identity has not been released, allowed visitors to enter the pool to pet the unsecured alligator.
Although the man previously had a DEC license to own Albert, the license expired in 2021 and the man did not renew it.
The alligator’s health deteriorated. It developed blindness in both eyes and spinal complications.
Working with the Hamburg Police Department and the Erie County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), wildlife officials were able to secure the alligator and remove it from the home via stretcher.
This action sparked outrage among several Facebook users who claimed to be familiar with Albert and his owner.
A user named Nadine Kaczmarski wrote, “I am absolutely heartbroken! I cleaned this man’s house. My husband helped build Albert’s atrium. It was top class, a good environment for Albert to live in.’
She further alleged that Albert was “being used for educational purposes,” and said he “should be returned to his HOME!”
Another user, Joelle Janish, wrote: ‘This is hard to watch. He loves Albert. He has always been well taken care of.’
The alligator’s health deteriorated. It developed blindness in both eyes and spinal complications
The 30-year-old alligator has been entrusted to the care of a licensed professional until a permanent home is found on such date
She urged people who had contact with Albert and his owner to collect photos of their experiences and “get on the news and show what a beautiful environment he lived in.”
And Laura Lautner denounced the conservationists’ actions, writing that it was “absolutely terrible that the government can’t just come and take away someone’s beloved pet.”
She also criticized the way the officers transported the alligator in the van: “the way they treated him by not securing him in the van was unconscionable… I’m absolutely disgusted by it.”
The authorities have entrusted Albert to the care of a certified professional.
This professional will act in the capacity of a temporary guardian and house and care for the alligator until it can be taken somewhere for permanent care.
Authorities said charges against the man are pending an interview with a veterinarian and careful review of evidence from the home.