L.A. Zoo Welcomes Reggie The Alligator

By Daniel Kuo

With the help of two L.A. city council members and an excited crowd of onlookers, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens welcomed its newest guest: the famous alligator, Reggie.

A seven and a half foot-long American alligator, Reggie became a local hero and a media sensation after he was discovered in August of 2005, swimming within Lake Machado in Harbor City. Authorities believe that Reggie was originally owned illegally as a pet, but was dumped into the lake after he became too large for the owner to handle. City officials immediately attempted to catch him, but the alligator repeatedly eluded their efforts, and managed to stay in the lake for over a year and a half. His lore grew even more when “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin visited the lake and promised to capture the alligator himself on a later return – unfortunately, Irwin’s tragic death in 2006 prevented him from fulfilling his pledge. Finally, on May 24, 2007, Reggie was successfully captured, but not before he spawned his own line of merchandise, drew media attention from as far away as Europe, and even became an official mascot for the Los Angeles Harbor College.

On August 9, the Los Angeles Zoo officially introduced Reggie to his new exhibit. Zoo Director John Lewis was on hand for the ceremony, as were Tom LaBonge, the councilman for the 4th district of Los Angeles (which includes the Zoo), and Janice Hahn, the councilwoman for the 15th district. Hahn, whose district includes Harbor City, was involved in efforts to capture Reggie and ensure that he remained within Los Angeles.

Following a short introduction by the Zoo’s director, LaBonge took the prodium to help introduce, in his words, a “very special new member of the Zoo.” Wearing a bright blue “Reggie” T-shirt and waving eagerly at the crowd, LaBonge made a few comments and then introduced his colleague Janice Hahn. The councilwoman recalled Reggie’s journey for the onlookers, adding that she was happy that the alligator ended up in the same city in which he was originally found. “This is a perfect way to conclude the story of the world famous fugitive alligator,” she told the crowd.

With the spectators watching from afar, the 110-pound alligator was finally guided into his new home, carefully assisted by a number of L.A. Zoo staff members. Reggie was quickly removed later on, but his exhibit still drew visitors throughout the day. “I think he’ll be happy here,” said Hahn, who waved a miniature, plastic alligator head throughout the press conference. “He’s got a luxury suite.”