Reggie (alligator)

Reggie is the name of an American alligator, believed to have been raised in illegal captivity, who became feral and was sighted for two extended periods at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in the South Bay, Los Angeles area in 2005 and 2007.

He became a media sensation shortly thereafter, receiving coverage as far away as Europe, and eventually inspiring a website,[2] a line of merchandise, and even becoming the unofficial mascot for nearby Los Angeles Harbor College.

[3] Two men from San Pedro, California, suspected of illegally raising exotic animals, were arrested in August 2005 in connection with releasing Reggie into the lake.

[1] On April 30, 2007, roughly a year and a half after he was last seen, Reggie emerged on the surface of the lake and appeared to be at least a foot longer than at his last sighting 18 months earlier.

Joined by a colleague, Los Angeles Zoo reptile keeper Ian Recchio jumped on his back, threw a T-shirt over his head, and wrapped duct tape around his snout.