You’ve heard the urban legend about alligators in the New York sewer system? Well, what about in a park? A four-foot alligator was found in a lake in Prospect Park, located in Brooklyn, New York. A member of the park’s maintenance staff spotted the gator in the lake, which caused park rangers to snap into action to capture and help the poor reptile.
The alligator was pretty lucky it was found when it was, because it is in pretty rough shape. Officials say it is “very lethargic and possibly cold shocked.” Because these animals are used to significantly warmer climates than New York City…in February…
“Thankfully no one was harmed and the animal is being evaluated,” New York City Parks said. The gator has been transported to the Bronx Zoo for rehabilitation.
Officials are still in the process of trying to find out who dumped the poor animal in the park. Releasing animals there is very dangerous, not to mention illegal. “In addition to the potential danger to park goers this could have caused, releasing non-indigenous animals or unwanted pets can lead to the elimination of native species and unhealthy water quality,” New York City Parks continued.
We’re pretty sure Loki hasn’t been spotted in Brooklyn recently, right? But all jokes aside, we hope the alligator makes a full and speedy recovery.
