Alligator found 10 days after disappearing from Kansas City-area school district

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A two-foot alligator that escaped from a Kansas City school is found alive, 10 days after it disappeared.

The alligator escaped from Thorni Ridge Exotics Mobile Petting Zoo during a visit to Lakeview Middle School, in the Park Hill School District, on Thursday, May 23. It’s mouth was taped shut while at the school.

The district notified staff and families about the discovery Monday morning.

“One of our custodial staff at our school found the alligator outside of the back door this morning. It is alive and still has its mouth taped shut from when it went missing from the petting zoo,” an email sent to families said.

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The district thanked everyone who spent time searching for the missing alligator.

KC Pet Project began searching for the animal due to concern that the alligator could not eat or drink, which put its life in danger.

Crews searched for the alligator for days before KC Pet Project called off the search.

The alligator is now at KC Pet Project. Experts will examine it to assess its condition. The organization shared pictures of the animal Monday morning.

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City ordinances bar alligator ownership as pets inside Kansas City. KC Pet Project said the school district did not get a permit from the city to host the traveling zoo which means a citation will most likely be received.

“The main reason that we are concerned about these permits is because it does make sure that all proper protocols are being followed, that public safety is being addressed,” Fugate said. “We do plan to issue citations for this case.”

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