Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Alligator pulled from Prospect Park lake undergoing treatment
By
Phil Corso
Published Feb 22, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Courtesy Bronx Zoo
By
Phil Corso
Published Feb 22, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The five-foot-long alligator pulled out of a lake in Prospect Park this week is "extremely emaciated" and undergoing treatment after suffering from exposure to cold temperatures, Bronx Zoo officials said Wednesday evening.
The female reptile, dubbed "Godzilla," was slowly warmed to an "appropriate ambient temperature" after it was removed from the lake in a lethargic state, Bronx Zoo officials said. Veterinarians and animal care staff have been feeding the alligator through a tube to provide nutrients, fluids, vitamin-B, antibiotics and antifungal medication.
The alligator also apparently swallowed a four-inch-wide bathtub stopper, but is in too weak a state for officials to attempt removal at this time, officials said.
The alligator is currently in too weakened a condition to try and remove a bathtub stopper the reptile ingested.
Courtesy Bronx Zoo
A spokesperson for the Bronx Zoo said the alligator was extremely underweight when the city Parks Department delivered her to the facility. The typical alligator weights between 30 and 35 pounds, while "Godzilla" came in at 15 pounds, officials said.
“The alligator is currently in too weakened a condition to attempt removal of the stopper. We will continue to provide supportive care for her and determine next steps based on how she responds to treatment," the spokesperson said. "The tragedy of this situation is a reminder that wild animals do not make good pets and that responsible pet ownership means making choices that will not negatively impact an individual animal or the environment.”
Tagged
environment
brooklyn
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani plans redesign of Brooklyn's Third Avenue after nurse killed in hit-and-run
Sunset Park residents and street safety advocates have called on city officials to make the avenue safer for years.
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Published Oct 28, 2026 at 4:00 a.m. ET
NJ Gov. Sherrill: Election is secure, noncitizens taken off voter rolls
The governor made the comments in the October edition of "Ask Governor Sherrill" on WNYC.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
NJ Gov. Sherrill: Election is secure, noncitizens taken off voter rolls
The governor made the comments in the October edition of "Ask Governor Sherrill" on WNYC.
By
Michael Sol Warren
Ex-NYPD officer again faces murder charge in George Washington Bridge shooting
By
Samantha Max
Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations
By
David Brand
1 killed, 4 others injured at Elizabeth, NJ vigil shooting
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .