Gator newest exotic pet at Thurston animal services

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published December 31, 2007

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OLYMPIA - They don't have lions and tigers and bears, but Thurston County Animals Services does get its fair share of exotic pets.

The newest one is “Gator,” found abandoned in a small aquarium at a Lacey duplex, Animal Services officer Ray Spragg said.

The alligator is about 4-feet long and is estimated to be around 4-years old. He feeds on baked chicken that is lowered into his pool with barbecue tongs and basks under a heat lamp in a back room.

Animal Services officials are trying to find a home for Gator at an animal refuge.

Owning an alligator is illegal in Washington, according to a law that went into effect in July that bars people from keeping dangerous wild animals.

Over the years, officers with Animal Services have dealt with scores of exotic pets -- including a Canadian lynx, bats, tarantulas, monkeys, “lots of snakes” and stranded harbor seals.

For more on the story, see The Olympian Tuesday.