'They Do Not Make Good Pets': 9-Year-Old Alligator Surrenders To Suffolk County SPCA

A 9-year-old alligator named Zachary was turned over to authorities on Long Island by an owner who purchased the reptile in another state.

Zachary the alligator
Photo Credit: *Suffolk County SPCA*

Nicole Valinote

08/04/2022 1:20 p.m.

The 5-foot-long American alligator was surrendered to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Suffolk County SPCA, the SPCA announced on Thursday, Aug. 4.

The owner did not have a permit to own the animal in New York and could no longer care for the alligator, the authorities said.

The SPCA said Zachary will be taken to a licensed wildlife sanctuary.

"Alligators do not make good pets, are a danger to the public, and are illegal to own without a permit from the NYSDEC," Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross said.

The SPCA said people should be careful around reptiles in the wild and should not touch or approach them.

Residents should also call professionals to get dangerous reptiles to the proper sanctuaries, Gross said.

The SPCA said it is offering owners of these exotic animals the opportunity to surrender the animals without penalty or charges for illegal possession.

Those who see an abandoned reptile can call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722 or NYSDEC Police at 631-444-0250.

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