PHOENIX- The largest alligator in human care outside of Florida has set up shop in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Mighty Mike is 55-years-old (about 70 years in alligator years),14-feet long, weighs 800 pounds and eats hundreds of pounds of food every year. A small price to pay for Odysea Aquarium which is Mighty Mike’s current home.
“Mighty Mike is an ambassador to his species. He’s an American Alligator,” said Dave Peranteau, Director of Animal Care and Conservation at Odysea Aquarium. “Mike’s story is very interesting.”
Mighty Mike was found near a boat dock in Florida around the year 2000. At that time, alligators were deemed nuisance animals and could be killed by the state, according to Peranteau. Luckily, Mike had a guardian angel. A local crocodile expert found Mike, noticing him for his large size, and took Mike into his own care.
The enormous gator will be on display at Odysea Aquarium beginning on Friday, May 16. Odysea will also be holding a ‘Crocodilian Rock’ event during Memorial Day weekend where you can check out Phoenix Herpetological Society’s collection of reptiles to the sound of Elton John’s music.
