Radiographs showed that the alligator had ingested a bathtub stopper about 4 inches wide.
"When the nearly five-foot alligator was brought to the zoo by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, it presented as extremely emaciated weighing only 15 pounds," The Bronx Zoo said in a statement.A disturbing discovery was also made after radiographs were taken of the gator, estimated to be between 5 and 6 years old. They showed that the alligator had ingested a bathtub stopper about 4 inches in width.
The zoo says the alligator is in too weakened a condition to attempt to remove the stopper and will provide care for her and see how she responds to treatment. "The tragedy of this situation is a reminder that wild animals do not make good pets and that responsible pet ownership means making choices that will not negatively impact an individual animal or the environment," the zoo said.Releasing animals in New York City Parks is illegal. If you see an abandoned animal, the best thing to do is leave the animal where it is and call 311 or locate an Urban Park Ranger in the park.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alligator found in Brooklyn park'Unfortunately, the alligator was also in really bad shape.'
Read more »
Vigil held in Brooklyn for victims of U-Haul rampageThe victims of last week's U-Haul tragedy had different backgrounds - most were immigrants, some were working at the time - and there are physical and emotional scars that still haven't healed.
Read more »
Brooklyn pastor fatally struck by car after tripping on the streetOn Saturday night she was leaving a nursing home on Ditmas Ave near East 21st Street after visiting her mother. Police believe she tripped in a depression in the road, then was struck by an oncoming car.
Read more »
Alligator in Brooklyn's Prospect Park evokes memories of Chicago's Chance the SnapperNew York City Department of Parks and Recreation employees caught the 4-foot alligator in a lake in Prospect Park after maintenance workers spotted it Sunday morning.
Read more »
Brooklyn Museum Plans Artists Ball With Help From DiorAlthough the Brooklyn Museum's Artist Ball is all about artists, for the first time this year it will be presented by Dior. Inevitably, the Ball faces comparison to The Met Gala.
Read more »