Alligator found 11 days after going missing at KC middle school

A foot-long American alligator that went missing during an event at a Kansas City college has been found nearly two weeks after the reptile went missing.

“The missing alligator was found alive and recovered by our Animal Services Division,” KC Pet Project shared on Facebook Monday afternoon. “We received an anonymous tip that he had been discovered outside of school on the first day of summer school.”

The alligator went missing May 23 during a petting zoo event at Lakeview Middle School in Kansas City.

The alligator's mouth had been taped shut before the event and when it was found, the tape was still intact.

The team is investigating to find out where the animal has been since its first disappearance. A staff veterinarian who works with exotic animals will examine the animal, KC Pet Project said.

An alligator went missing on May 23 during a petting zoo event

KC Pet Project first reported the alligator was missing on May 23.

“Lakeview Middle School did not obtain an animal exhibit permit from our Animal Services Division for the petting zoo, which is required by Chapter 14 of the city code,” said KC Pet Project in his message. “Officers… searched the school and surrounding grounds for the animal on the school grounds for several hours, but were unable to locate the animal. »

The Park Hill School District told USA TODAY that the company that brought the alligator to the school event, Thorni Ridge Exotics, did not mention that no permit was needed. But the petting zoo company said he was not from the area.

“Our contract states that whoever hires us is responsible for all licenses and permits,” Eric Smith, owner of Thorni Ridge Exotics, told USA TODAY last Wednesday.