A woman in the Lakeland area of Florida is fighting to keep her 125-pound alligator in her home.
Mary Thorn has had a license for her pet alligator, Rambo, for 11 years. However, the animal recently grew to six feet, which means that by law the reptile must have 2.5 acres of land to live on, according to wildlife officials.
Thorn explained to the Orlando Sentinel that even if she had access to the land, Rambo can’t stay outdoors because of sunlight sensitivity.
The 15-year-old reptile is quite a celebrity. He wears clothes that Thorn makes for him, rides on the back of a motorcycle and has a bedroom in her home.
She also takes Rambo to elementary schools, charity events and conventions to educate people about reptiles.
“I know when he goes there he’s going to be really afraid and he’s probably going to pass away from stress,” Thorn said.
Meanwhile, she is trying to get the reptile certified as a therapy animal.
Rambo’s fans have also taken action. His followers have signed a petition and have asked the FWC to allow him to stay with Thorn.
“Without him, I don’t feel like even wanting to go on,” Thorn said. “Everybody is taking it pretty hard because they know how much I love the gator.”
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