A Florida woman is fighting to keep her pet alligator, Rambo, in her home. Her pet alligator might be scary-looking but she said Rambo doesn't do anything a normal gator does, so no need to worry about her pet.
Mary Thorn said she obtained a permit to keep her pet alligator seven years ago when Rambo was just a little over a foot long. However, the 15-year-old reptile is now nearing six feet long. Hence, Florida Fish and Wildlife is requiring Thorn to have a 2.5 acres of land for Rambo.
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!@seguifox13 has the story of the special bond between this woman and pet alligator, Rambo pic.twitter.com/eH3J3uZIje
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) Marso 16, 2016
But Thorn said to Orlando Sentinel, even if she had the land the agency required, her pet alligator wouldn't be able to live in it because he has a sensitivity to sunlight. In fact, Rambo has to wear clothes when he goes outdoors to protect his skin from the sun rays. Furthermore, she said she believes wild alligators should live within their natural habitat but due to his condition, Thorn thinks Rambo will be safe if he stays domesticated.
While Thorn is rallying community support for Rambo, she is enjoying every moment with her pet alligator. "He's my best friend, my second son," she said to ABC News. "I don't want to lose him."
She said Rambo is a well-trained pet because she trained him when he's just a baby. Thorn also said her pet alligator rides on the back of a motorcycle. He even sleeps in his own bedroom in Mary's home.
Florida woman fighting to keep fully trained pet alligator Rambo ---> https://t.co/mI6rFuSwGw pic.twitter.com/inVv5WLl7I — Th3 Woody Show (@TheWoodyShow) Marso 17, 2016
Meanwhile, Thorn still has her pet alligator. She's also been taking Rambo to schools and charity events to teach people about alligators. On the other hand, Gary Morse spokesman for Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) said a number of issues have been raised about Thorn's case. Hence, the agency is currently investigating her application.
