TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. (WFLA) — An alligator who was drawing concern at the former Coca-Cola property is on a diet following his move to Croc Encounters.
A trapper relocated the gator to Croc Encounters in Tampa after several residents expressed concerns over a damaged fence in the retention area where the reptile lived.
Croc Encounters Director John "Florida Man" Panner told 8 On Your Side the organization received the animal Friday afternoon. According to Panner, the gator is 9-foot-long and weighs over 400 pounds.
“That’s a little heavy for that animal,” Panner said.
When 8 On Your Side originally reported on the story, neighbors shared some residents were feeding the gator. One resident even said she fed the reptile lunch meat.
Panner says the gator will now live a healthier lifestyle.
“All of our alligators get a mix of pellet diet,” he said. “We’ll also feed fish, we also feed chicken, we’ll do that on a regular basis, and hopefully he’ll slim down a bit.”
