By: Natasha Archary
A viral video of an American reptile handler attempting to feed alligators in their enclosure has social media users concerned for her safety. The video has racked up over 34.4 million views and ends with the handler cornered with the alligator out of his glass enclosure.
The reptile handler from The Reptile Zoo can be seen nervously laughing as the ‘gator escapes the tank and lands on the floor in front of her. With her trying to feed a second alligator still in the tank, the escaped reptile thrashes around attempting to get the raw chicken from her.
@thereptilezooWell this wasn’t expected 😬 the questions is how does he get back in 😳 ##alligator ##animal ##funny♬ Comical and a little silly carefree music(831995) – Etsuo Kawasaki
Many social media users were concerned about the handler’s safety with comments around her training and lack of control of the situation. However, the zoo assures followers on their social media accounts that the handler is perfectly fine.
Updating people with a second video showing the handler being assisted in getting the alligator, named ‘Darth Gator’ back into his home. With no other way but to carry the alligator and set him back in.
The reptile handler responded to the concerns in the comments and explained that the alligator is a big softie and she’s raised them both from babies with lots of handling and physical touch. She said there was no need for panic as she knows what she’s doing and the video was taken out of context because she was laughing but she wasn’t scared at all.
“I have years and years of holding him while he was small. It paid off because, besides feeding time, he is so sweet. Of course, I’m aware he’s a wild animal!”
@thereptilezooOnly one way out and only one way in 😂 luckily we raised Darth from a baby and he’s very mellow for a gator 🐊 ##reptile ##alligator ##darthgator
The reptile zoo offers a unique edu-tainment experience to visitors with the option for private Instagram-worthy animal experiences where one can pose with any of the reptiles.
Alligators very rarely attack and kill humans and according to BBC there are about 0.06 attacks per year per 100,000 people.
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