Title: Exciting News: Alligator’s Return Journey to New York!
A 750-pound alligator that was confiscated by government agents from a home near Buffalo could be making its way back upstate to New York. After a judge ruled that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wrongfully denied the owners’ application for a dangerous animals permit, the 34-year-old gator named Albert may soon be back in his lavish pen at owner Tony Cavallaro’s Hamburg residence.
Cavallaro, who had legally owned Albert for nearly 30 years before state regulations changed, fought tirelessly to have his beloved alligator returned. Despite the DEC seizing Albert and relocating him to a Texas petting zoo, a court decision in December deemed the DEC’s handling of the application as erroneous and ordered a new ruling to be issued by mid-March.
The judge instructed the DEC to respond to Cavallaro’s application within 30 days or accept that the permit was granted, allowing Albert to be reunited with his owner. While there is no absolute certainty yet, Cavallaro remains hopeful that Albert will soon be back home, describing him as a lovable creature full of personality.
In the meantime, Cavallaro is willing to make any necessary improvements to Albert’s enclosure to ensure public safety, with the DEC being urged to provide a reasonable opportunity for such enhancements before any final decisions are made. Cavallaro’s main priority is the well-being of his “gentle giant” and he is committed to providing Albert with a comfortable and happy life once again.
The local community has rallied around the cause to bring Albert back home, showing unwavering support for Cavallaro and his beloved alligator. The DEC is currently reviewing the court’s ruling, paving the way for Albert’s potential return to New York.
The strange creature had been living close by for almost thirty years, and the local community, according to Cavallaro, played a crucial role in supporting him through the challenging experience. “The DEC was unaware of the existing support network I had, the individuals who had already interacted with me and had seen how well I looked after Albert,” Tony explained. “He was adored by everyone. It was something they never anticipated.”
