I’ve been debating on posting anything but I have to tell everyone the news.
I feel let down by some of our community. As I have explained year after year after year… I have had meetings in town to explain our precious gator’s well being and why she thrives in her home and also given countless facts on multiple groups on Facebook. BUT. Unfortunately multiple people in our town have called PETA to report the Alligator’s (Hardhide) hand being swollen which is actually an old battle wound. The state admitted to knowing that it doesn’t bother her but visually just causes a problem. I was called by Wildlife and fisheries stating the alligator is over weight and to old looking to have her on display any longer. I asked them about the possibility of moving her to my facility for display but they now no longer want her on display anywhere because of all the complaints. Overall the best thing they can do is euthanize her because she can not be released in the wild. For them the easiest thing to do is put her down and no longer worry about the public creating a so called hassle for them. I knew it was coming but just wasn’t ready to hear it.
With that being said…..
Get out there to see Hardhide 65 years old while she is living her last days. It’s sad her peaceful once trusted home will be no longer due to everyone always being concerned about something they know nothing about. YOU DIDNT FREE THE ALLIGATOR YOU GOT HER KILLED. You should be mad as am I. I’m stuck where I can’t help her but she will forever be in our hearts. RIP HARDHIDE