Missing gator from petting zoo was found safe after nearly two weeks
PARKVILLE, Mo. (KCTV) - A scaly surprise has crawled back into the spotlight! An alligator that vanished without a trace almost two weeks ago outside a Kansas City School, has been found.
The missing gator was visiting with a traveling petting zoo, Thorni Ridge Exotics, at Lakeview Middle School in Parkville, and is now in the hands of KC Pet Project.
“It was found just right outside of the school,” said Tori Fugate with KC Pet Project. After being on the loose for 11 days, Alex the alligator was found at the middle school after KC Pet Project received an anonymous tip Monday morning.
“Our officers just happened to be close to the school, so they rushed over there very quickly and were able to secure the alligator,” said Fugate.
The almost two-year-old gator was visiting the school for an end-of-the-year event on May 23rd. That’s when things went south and the search began.
“Hard to say where it has been this whole time,” said Fugate.
Monday morning, the Park Hill School District sent out a letter to Lakeview Families letting them know the alligator was found:
“One of our custodial staff at our school found the alligator outside of the back door this morning. It is alive and still has its mouth taped shut from when it went missing from the petting zoo.”
KC Pet Project said it’s shocking that the gator’s mouth was taped shut the whole time and was still able to take care of itself.
“It is moving around, so it seems pretty mobile still,” said Fugate. “We’re going to have a veterinarian do an exam on the alligator… we’re just very fortunate that it’s still alive.”
The gator’s owner, Eric Smith with Thorni Ridge Exotics said he’s happy the gator wasn’t in worse condition.
“We never quit looking for him,” said Smith.
Smith said they do thousands of events and have never had an animal go missing before. He believes Alex had a little bit of help getting out of his enclosure.
“The only way he would have gotten out is for someone to have lifted him out of his enclosure,” said Smith. “Alligators are able to climb, there is a sheet of aluminum on the side, which allows them not to climb out.”
Regardless of how Alex the gator was able to escape, Smith said these animals are more like family and he is just grateful to see Alex alive and well.
“I’m thrilled we got him back, however he got back there,” said Smith.
Park Hill School District apparently did not get a permit from the city to host the traveling zoo which means they will likely get a citation.
KC Pet Project said anytime you’re going to show an animal or have an animal at an event, you need to have a permit in the city limits of Kansas City, which protects you and the animals.
KC Pet Project said there is also a pending citation for the petting zoo as well.
Smith said they heard about possibly of getting a citation but that their contracts state that whoever hires them is responsible for all permits or licensing.
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