70 coins found in white alligator's stomach in Nebraska ZOO
Visitors threw $7 in coins into unusual animal cages; veterinary doctors had to perform surgery. What can we learn from that?
4:16 PM EST, February 20, 2024
In a dramatic turn of events at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, an urgent operation was conducted to extract an astonishing number of coins from an alligator's stomach, zoo authorities have disclosed.
The zoo reported that Thibodaux, the 36-year-old alligator in question, had ingested 70 metal coins.
Veterinarian Christina Ploog detailed the innovative approach taken to ensure the alligator's safety during the procedure, stating, "A plastic pipe was placed to protect his mouth and safely pass the tools used to access the coins, such as a camera that helped us guide the retrieval of these objects."
The discovery was made during a routine health check, leading to successfully removing all the coins from the alligator.
Ploog speculated that zoo visitors probably tossed the coins into Thibodaux's enclosure, an action she and the zoo strongly discourage. The zoo underscored the importance of visitor conduct with a clear message: "Guests should not throw coins into any bodies of water at the Zoo."
Sources: BBC; Daily Mail
