Delivery! Phoenix-area reptile facility to welcome 600 lb. alligator

PHOENIX — Ever thought you had it rough shipping a 20 lb. package to family back home?  Try shipping a 600 lb. alligator in more than 100-degree heat.

That’s the task that Russ Johnson with the Phoenix Herpetological Society in Scottsdale, Arizona, has this weekend.  He will be heading to Los Angeles airport Friday to pick up the giant gator — and 16 other cold-blooded relations.

“We’re helping (Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo) in Canada that has quite a number of alligators and crocodiles,” he explained.

Canada does not allow large reptile ownership, period.  Nevertheless, people smuggle the creatures into the country, and when they grow up, “They drop them off at various reptile sanctuaries and zoos,” Johnson said.

It’s to the point, Johnson said, “They’re just inundated, (Little Ray’s) has taken them in from other zoos.”

As fall sets in north of the U.S. border, another issue arrives: “The animals can’t take it and the reptiles get dumped,” he said.

Phoenix is one of the few places equipped to help its Canadian counterpart, with close access to U.S. Customs inspections.  Air Canada is the only air carrier out of Toronto capable of flying the 3,000 lb cargo.  The airline, however, will only fly as far as Los Angeles with the load.

Johnson said picking them up is relatively easy, but, “the real challenge is keeping the gators cool!”  He said he will outfit the massive crates with a rolling air conditioning setup.

“Essentially, I’ll be filling their shallow tubs with water and ice and checking on them frequently along the way,” he said.

There are 17 American alligators and one Caiman in the lot, ranging from 3- to 100-feet long.

“One alligator and one Caiman will stay here and the rest of the alligators will go to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,” said Johnson.

Learn about the alligator and the Caiman at PHS in Scottsdale:  20701 N. Scottsdale Rd.  Call for a tour of the sanctuary Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. at 480-513-4377 or visit their website: phoenixherp.com

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