Zoo cares for two alligators confiscated by DEC

The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park is caring for two alligators that were taken from a Lowville man by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Conservation police confiscated the two creatures Monday from James Hellinger, 7671 Lampher St., Apt. 1, Lowville. He was issued a ticket for the violation and is to appear in Village Court.

Conservation police asked the zoo's staff if it could keep the reptiles until the court case is concluded

"Whenever we can help DEC, because they do a lot for us, we're going to say yes," Mr. Foster said.

The two American alligators, between two and three years old, arrived at the zoo Monday afternoon.

These two specimens are in "beautiful health," zoo Director John S. Foster said. "They're little guys — they're cute."

But in a few years, the alligators, now less than 3 feet long, will grow to an average size of more than 8 feet for females and 11 feet for males, averaging more than 1,000 pounds. It is unclear now which sex the alligators are. Alligators can live 60 to 80 years in captivity.

Conservation police Capt. Stephen J. Pierson said it is illegal to own alligators in the state without a permit. Mr. Hellinger had bought the alligators from another person, Capt. Pierson said. He was keeping them in a large aquarium and had named them Nick and Linda.

Mr. Foster said because of the size of the animals, the regulation is as much for the alligators' protection as for humans.

"It's more, 'What are you going to do with this thing?'" he said.

Once the court proceedings are finished, the zoo will look for placement for the animals. Mr. Foster said the American alligator has rebounded thanks to tighter regulation of the leather trade.

"Finding a place to take unwanted alligators is difficult," he said.

In the meantime, if the zoo has permission from DEC and the alligators complete the 30-day quarantine period, the zoo could use them for educational purposes.

Capt. Pierson said DEC has occasionally confiscated alligators, venomous snakes and bobcats in Region 6. In other parts of the state, conservation police have seized large cats, such as lions and tigers. Those are all illegal without permits.

"Unfortunately, people get attached to their animals," he said.

Far more common, he said, is people taking young wildlife that seems abandoned. Conservation police have taken numerous fawns, young raccoons and skunks.

"They're well-intentioned people but are actually hurting it by bringing it home," Capt. Pierson said. "The animals have a much better chance of survival in the wild."

He explained that young are often left by their parents because they have no or little scent, so they will not attract predators. Adult animals and humans, on the other hand, will.

"If you care, leave it there" is DEC's slogan on young wildlife. But if a young animal is clearly injured or abandoned, contact DEC.

For the more exotic animals, both Capt. Pierson and Mr. Foster said people need to be careful about choosing their pets.

Mr. Foster said, "When it comes to getting a pet, make a wise decision regarding the animals you bring into your life."