After making appearances at a Florida military post twice, a massive alligator has found a new home.
Our First Meeting at MacDill Air Force Base
A 12-foot, 4-inch alligator was found at MacDill Air Force Base in late April, huddled beneath an airplane. With ropes fastening its torso, tail, and mouth, wildlife agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were able to catch the gator. They hoped it would settle in the Hillsborough River after they released it there.
Gator Return
But the alligator was unhappy at its new home and three weeks later it went back to the base. It was discovered this time kicking back on the sidewalk close to the Medical Group section of the base. In a lighthearted social media post, the base implied that the gator would henceforth handle complaints there.
Finishing Move
The alligator was re-captured by the FWC agents, but this time they chose to move it 155 miles away to Gatorama and Crocodile Adventures in Palmdale rather than back into the river. The alligator took on the moniker “MacDill” at its new home, after the air base where it was discovered. Gatorama stocked “Major MacDill” in their ponds for breeding and displays.
Something New for Major MacDill
Gatorama employees praised the alligator, pointing out its enormous size and probably interesting past. He’s gorgeous, they said. 12 feet 4 inches. It pains us to see these large, elderly bull alligators put down. The accounts they tell of his incredible survival to this point must be astounding. With mating occurring in May or June after alligator courtship starts in early April, “Major MacDill’s” timing at the sanctuary is really intriguing.
Now at Gatorama, the alligator appears to be settling in nicely and has already met new acquaintances. The facility’s alligator performances may or may not feature “Major MacDill,” but his tale has undoubtedly had an impact.