Alligator named Ferdinand recovered during eviction process at Philadelphia home
An alligator is safe after he was recovered from a Philadelphia home during an eviction. ACCT Philly says the alligator, originally named "Chompy," was in a house living as someone's pet on the 2500 block of Cumberland Street.
The city's only intake shelter believes the reptile is an American alligator.
Animal control officers were able to remove him from the house, and he is now headed to a rescue in Florida.
The gator's name has been changed to Ferdinand.
ACCT Philly executive director Sarah Barnett believes the gator is approximately 2.5 to 3 years old. She notes he was underweight and shows signs of being deprived of sunlight.
"If you got any kind of exotic animal, and you can't care for them anymore, you know, mistakes happen, give us a call and we'll come and get them, and you're not going to be in trouble," Barnett said.
Barnett added since the beginning of last year, the shelter has taken in at least eight alligators.
ACCT Philly says they've seen an unusually high number of exotic animals this week, including a blue-tongued skink, a pheasant and two quail.
A Husky named Gia was also recovered from the Strawberry Mansion home.
"We're so full on dogs and everything that it's he got placement within an hour, and Gia is still looking, so it's actually easier for us right now to find a home for an alligator than it is a dog," Barnett said.
Earlier this week, ACCT Philly had more than 100 dogs and cats come into the shelter, which is at capacity. Barnett said with homelessness numbers rising in the City of Philadelphia, more and more animals are coming through their doors.
"It's a trickle down. It impacts people, it impacts families, and it impacts the four-legged ones too," Barnett said.
She encourages those who need help to reach out, including exotic pet owners.
"Mistakes happen, give us a call and we'll come and get them, and you're not going to be in trouble," Barnett said.
Through next Wednesday, ACCT Philly is offering $10 adoption fees for all dogs and cats.
