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When we think of pets, dogs and cats immediately come to mind. Birds and lizards are also popular picks in the U.S. However, one lizard would give most pet owners pause: the American alligator. In the video above, Rambo the alligator quietly sits in his owner’s lap, his little leather jacket protecting his skin from the sun. He has a condition that makes him sensitive to sunlight, so instead of a freshwater river or swamp, Rambo’s habitat is his owner’s Lakeland, Florida home.
The gator is a minor celebrity in the area, making public appearances and helping raise money for charitable causes. His owner claims he is just like a dog or a cat. Rambo is even potty-trained. However, Florida wildlife officials were unconvinced. Continue reading to learn more about the rules for alligator ownership and one woman’s fight to keep her pet alligator.
Gators in the Wild vs. Captivity
Male alligators typically average about 11 feet long, with the larger animals weighing close to 1,000 pounds. Gators in captivity tend to be larger than those in the wild, as captive gators are being cared for. The video shows that Rambo is nowhere near average size, but the interviewer notes he is over four feet. Once an alligator reaches that length, humans are a gator’s only real threat. This leads to a long lifespan of around 50 years in the wild. Animals in captivity have been documented to live longer than 70 years.
Rambo’s Rare Condition
Rambo was a malnourished young alligator when he was dumped at the owner’s former facility. The owner says that Rambo was kept in the dark during his early years, which left him sensitive to sunlight. So this pampered pet spends most of his time watching TV with his owner and swimming in his indoor pool. On occasions when he must go out, his owner dresses him to keep him warm and prevent sunburn.

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Rules and Regulations for Pet Alligators
The rules for keeping an alligator as a pet are considerable and vary by state. In Florida, the Captive Wildlife Office at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates this process. The FWC has designated alligators Class II Wildlife. Animals in this class are considered a potential threat to human safety. So to legally keep a pet alligator, owners must have a Class II Personal Pet License.
How to Apply for a License
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no convictions for captive wildlife violations. They must also demonstrate one year and 1,000 hours of practical experience handling and caring for crocodilian species. The FWC requires extensive documentation, including two references from authoritative sources with firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s experience.
Facility Requirements
Crocodilians over four feet must be kept on at least 2.5 acres of property the applicant owns or leases. The facility must have an eight-foot fence and a 35-foot buffer zone between the animal’s enclosure and the property line.
The Fight to Keep Rambo the Gator
When Rambo’s owner first applied for permission to keep him, the address she listed was not the property she currently owns. In addition to the paperwork error, her home does not have the 2.5 acres required for an animal Rambo’s size. Despite the issues, the owner petitioned the state for permission to keep her pet gator.
The FWC ultimately decided in the owner’s favor, but with some restrictions. Sadly, Rambo can no longer make public appearances. He must also be caged with his mouth taped any time he leaves the house. Although Rambo is retiring from show business, luckily, he and his owner will be together for years to come.
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