Brandywine Zoo Takes In Alligator Recovered from PA Drug Bust

DNREC officials say they have taken in a two-foot long, juvenile American alligator at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, after it was discovered inside a Coatesville, Pennsylvania home by law enforcement conducting a drug bust.

The Zoo says they agreed to house the alligator at the request of Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan. Officials say despite it’s unusual origins, the alligator will serve as a educational animal for zoo visitors during the busy summer season. Following that, the alligator will relocate to the more appropriate climate of St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park in Florida.

The Brandywine Zoo Director Brint Spencer says “We will provide care for the alligator and ensure it is healthy during it’s stay with the zoo.” The home where the gator was recovered had heroin, crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, cash and paraphernalia. Police are unclear as to why the suspects had an alligator.

You won’t be able to see the alligator just yet, as the Brandywine Zoo remains temporarily closed through the end of February for construction and improvement projects.