Story Published:
Apr 9, 2008 at 9:36 AM CST
Story Updated:
Apr 9, 2008 at 4:47 PM CST
CARTHAGE, Mo. -- Zookeepers from Springfield helped police after officers discovered a man-sized alligator in the basement of a home on Monday. Police found the American alligator, which is being called Wally, while responding to a call about an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Carthage animal control officer called two zookeepers from Dickerson Park Zoo. They covered the alligator's eyes with a towel, taped its mouth shut and carried it upstairs.
The 6 1/2-foot alligator is at the Carthage Humane Society until a permanent home can be found. One zookeeper said, because the American alligator was taken off the endangered-species list in 1987, it has become common to sell the babies in pet stores and outdoor markets.
