Former zoo volunteer busted with stolen alligator she kept as pet for 20 years

As reported by Yahoo, the alligator was discovered in Buda, a town located south of Austin, Texas. The National Park and Wildlife Service Rangers stumbled upon it coincidentally during an unrelated investigation.

The investigation found that the self-proclaimed owner of the alligator had stolen it an astonishing 20 years ago! She was a volunteer at the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels, Texas. According to the rangers, that's where she obtained a hatchling or an egg of the species.

"Alligators lay about 50 to 60 eggs at a time in nests. So it would be very easy for someone to steal a hatchling or an egg and take it home without anyone noticing," explained Jarrod Forthman, the Director of Animal World & Snake Farm, according to the New York Post.

Luckily, the owner had cared well for the alligator; it was both healthy and well-maintained. Joann Garza, one of the rangers, pointed out that the woman was very courteous towards her and the other officers. Despite struggling to part with her cherished "pet," she eventually came to recognize the importance of complying with existing laws.

"She was quite friendly. Taking it all in was challenging for her, but ultimately, she has to comply with the rules and regulations in our state," reported Joann Garza, according to the New York Post.

Since the theft committed by the alligator's former owner had surpassed the statute of limitations, she was only fined. She now faces a thousand-dollar fine for unlawfully keeping the creature. The alligator will reside at a zoo as its new home.