On May 24, 2007 the American alligator was apprehended from Lake Machado in Harbor City, California and placed into quarantine at the Gottlieb Animal Health and Conservation Center at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Chief Veterinarian Dr. Curtis Eng and staff conducted a complete physical examination to assess the state of the alligator’s health. An examination verified the reptile was a male American alligator weighing currently 114 pounds and 7 ½ feet long. Subsequent blood tests for diseases endemic to alligators confirmed that the animal’s health was excellent.
While in quarantine Reggie was fitted with a microchip to assist with future identification purposes. The alligator ate his first meal on Friday, June 29th which consisted of three quails and since has eaten once a week three pounds of various raw meats including quail, fish, chicken and rats.
Alligators are found only in two countries; the United States and China. The American alligator inhabits wetlands throughout the southeastern United States. They have a large, slightly rounded body, with thick limbs, a broad head, and a very powerful tail. Males can weigh between 500 and 1000 pounds and grow up to 11 feet in length. In 1967, the alligator was listed as an endangered species; however, combined efforts by federal and state wildlife agencies saved these unique animals. Today, although no longer endangered, the American alligator’s greatest threat is humans along with habitat destruction and water pollution.