12-foot ‘Airman Ally Gator’ rescued after turning up at Florida air base — twice
A massive alligator has been safely relocated to a Florida sanctuary after turning up at a military base — twice.
The hulking 12-foot, 4-inch gator first wandered onto MacDill Air Force base’s grounds in late April, taking refuge beneath the wheels of an airplane.
Two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers were seen placing ropes around an alligator’s body, tail and mouth before releasing him into Hillsborough River, located just a few miles north of the air base.
The wetlands didn’t appear to be to the reptile’s liking, however, and he returned to MacDill just three weeks later.
This time, “Airman Ally Gator” dried out on the sidewalk near the camp’s Med Group.
“Airman Gator will be in charge of MacDill’s complaint department and is ready to book your appointment below. Please list a date and time below that you would like to register your complaint,” the military branch joked on social media.
The gator was recaptured, but this time FWC officials opted to bring the scaley beast to Gatorama and Crocodile Adventures in Palmdale, an alligator farm located about 155 miles away.
According to the Air Force, the alligator has “already made some friends in his new home.”
“They renamed him “MacDill” to pay homage to his origins,” the military said on social media.
Gatorama placed “Major MacDill” in its breeding and exhibit ponds, though its not clear whether the massive beast will be part of the facility’s alligator shows.
Alligator courtship begins in early April, and they begin mating in May or June.
“Isn’t he beautiful? 12’4”. We hate to see these big old bull alligators killed. The stories they tell must be amazing about how he survived to this length,” the alligator farm said.
