An alligator at a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, needed an emergency procedure late last week to remove about 70 coins from its stomach, zoo officials said.
The metal objects were found inside Thibodaux, a 36-year-old alligator, according to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
“A plastic tube 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 removal of these objects,” said veterinarian Christina Ploog in a statement from the zoo.
The coins were found during a routine examination of the animal. All were successfully removed.
Ploog believes the coins were likely thrown into the animal's habitat by visitors.
“Guests should not throw coins into any body of water at the zoo,” the facility said in a statement.
Rare type of alligator
The renowned zoo has 10 American crocodiles, and Thibodaux is a rare leucistic alligator that has translucent white skin and deep blue eyes, according to the Audubon Nature Institute.
Last year, an extremely rare – and extremely cute – leucistic alligator was born at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida.
Alligators are a source of great fascination for people, whether in zoos or in the wild. Despite its deadly reputation and a population of millions in the Southeast, attacks on people are quite rare. And deaths caused by these attacks are even rarer.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
