Chicago’s Elusive Gator Settles into New Home in Florida

Florida alligator expert Frank Robb holds an alligator during a news conference, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)Florida alligator expert Frank Robb holds an alligator during a news conference, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) — An alligator that eluded capture for days in a Chicago lagoon is settling in its new home in Florida.

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The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park said in a Facebook post Friday that it welcomed the reptile known as Chance the Snapper with a banner, pizza and Chicago’s greatest hits.

The park that now houses Chance recommended the Florida trapper Chicago officials flew in to capture the gator.

The 4-foot, 18-pound American alligator became an instant sensation from the day he was spotted in the Humboldt Park lagoon and photos popped up online. Investigators don’t know why the animal was in the lagoon, but experts say it wouldn’t have survived the winter.

Park director John Brueggen says Chance will stay alone for 90 days to make sure he is illness-free, and then join other gators.


Related stories:

Florida Expert Captures Elusive Alligator at Humboldt Park Lagoon

Florida Expert Flies to Chicago to Help Catch Alligator

Humboldt Park Alligator Evades Capture as Bemused, Concerned Onlookers Stand By

Chicago Police Investigators Confirm Alligator in Lagoon

Why Alligators Don’t Make Good Pets (and 9 Other Fun Gator Facts)

Rare Albino Alligator Arrives at Brookfield Zoo


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