PROSPECT PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) — A sick 4-foot alligator was caught Sunday in Brooklyn, and officials are looking for whoever is responsible.
A maintenance worker at Prospect Park spotted an alligator in the lake.
The parks department says the alligator was lethargic, possibly due to the cold. It was also in bad shape.
“Parks are not suitable homes for animals that are not native to those parks – domesticated or otherwise,” said a spokesperson for NYC Parks. “In addition to the potential danger to park visitors this could cause, the release of non-native animals or unwanted pets could result in the destruction of native species and unhealthy water quality. In this case the animal was found very lethargic and may have had cold shock as it comes from a warm tropical climate.’
Officials captured the alligator and brought it to ACC. He was then transferred to the Bronx Zoo for rehabilitation.
Police are investigating who threw the alligator.
It is illegal to let animals into New York City parks. If you see an abandoned animal, the best thing to do is leave it where it is and call 311 or find a city park ranger in the park.
City park rangers respond to about 500 reports of animal conditions a year throughout the city.
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