In a story that has captivated animal lovers and the local community, a New York man is fighting to get his pet alligator seized by authorities back. For over 30 years, 64-year-old Tony Cavallaro has shared his home in suburban Buffalo with Albert the alligator, a massive 12-foot, 750-pound reptile. Cavallaro describes Albert as a “gentle giant” who has been a constant companion and emotional support, and he is now battling to reclaim his beloved pet after it was taken by conservation officers.
Why Was the Pet Alligator Seized?
Albert the gator was seized by officers from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) after they discovered that Cavallaro’s license to keep the alligator had expired in 2021. Authorities arrived at Cavallaro’s home armed with a warrant, sedated the alligator, and transported him to an undisclosed location. According to the DEC, Cavallaro violated regulations by allowing alligator petting and interactions with Albert, including letting people swim with the alligator, which is not permitted for animals classified as dangerous. This regulatory breach was the primary reason for having his pet alligator seized.
A Bond That Goes Beyond Just a Pet
For Cavallaro, Albert is much more than just a pet alligator. He bought Albert as a baby at a reptile show in Ohio and raised him for more than three decades. He describes Albert as a loving and calm creature who has never shown aggression toward anyone. Over the years, Albert has become part of Cavallaro’s family, even bonding with other pets and Cavallaro’s 84-year-old mother, who used to visit and read to the alligator as it rested its head on her foot.
“He’s just a big baby,” Cavallaro said while looking through photos of Albert lounging on pillows and cuddling a stuffed alligator. For Cavallaro, the pet alligator seized by the authorities is not just an exotic animal but a cherished family member whose absence has left a noticeable void in his life.
A Custom Habitat Built for a Unique Pet
Cavallaro spared no expense in making his home suitable for Albert the gator. He invested $120,000 to construct a special addition to his house tailored to the alligator’s needs, complete with heated floors, a filtered indoor pond with a waterfall, tropical plants, spa jets, and even a bar. Now, with Albert gone, the space feels empty, the pillows and pond left unused. “It’s so empty,” Cavallaro lamented, standing in the room that once served as Albert’s sanctuary.
The Licensing Issue That Led to Albert’s Removal
The trouble began when New York updated its regulations for keeping dangerous animals in 2020. Cavallaro’s license expired in 2021, and he failed to bring Albert’s enclosure up to the new compliance standards required for public safety. The DEC cited this licensing lapse as the main reason the pet alligator was seized. While Cavallaro claims that he tried to renew the license, he found the new requirements confusing and believes that, given his long history of safely keeping Albert, he should have been allowed to continue under the old rules.
Community Rallies to “Free Albert”
The fight to bring Albert the alligator back home has sparked a wave of community support, with many people backing Cavallaro in his quest to reclaim his pet. An online petition demanding the return of the pet alligator seized by the DEC has gathered over 120,000 signatures, and the movement has even inspired merchandise such as “Free Albert” T-shirts and buttons. Local musicians have joined the cause, with one friend composing a song titled “Oh Albert, Please Come Home” to raise awareness.
“I’ve lived with Albert for over half my life,” Cavallaro said. “He’s like family.” For those who have known Cavallaro and Albert over the years, the separation is more than just a legal issue; it’s a deeply emotional ordeal.
Concerns Over Albert’s Health: Fact or Fiction?
The DEC has suggested that Albert has “numerous health-related issues,” including blindness and spinal problems, but Cavallaro strongly disputes these claims. While he acknowledges that Albert has cataracts, he insists the alligator is not blind and was in good health before the pet alligator was seized. He argues that Albert’s diet of raw chicken and pork chops, supplemented with vitamins, has kept him fit over the years, with regular checkups by a veterinarian who has monitored his condition.
Cavallaro believes the DEC exaggerated the health concerns to justify taking his pet alligator away. “Albert was perfectly healthy before they took him,” he said. “They’re making it sound like he’s on death’s door, but he’s not.”
The Legal Complications of Owning a Pet Alligator in New York
New York has strict regulations regarding exotic pets, especially those classified as dangerous animals. Albert falls under this category, which has made it challenging for Cavallaro to navigate the legal landscape. While no one knows the exact number of pet alligators in the U.S., there have been various reports of abandoned or rescued reptiles, like a 4-foot alligator found in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in early 2023. Despite such incidents, Cavallaro insists that Albert, the pet alligator seized by authorities, is not a typical case, having been raised in captivity without showing aggression.
What Happens Next for Albert the Alligator?
Currently, Albert is being held in the care of a “licensed caretaker” who is housing him temporarily while a permanent solution is found. The DEC has refused to disclose the exact location of the alligator, and it remains unclear whether Albert will be permanently rehomed or if Cavallaro might get another chance to reclaim him. The New York man and his legal team are challenging the DEC’s decision and preparing for a court battle that could determine the pet alligator’s fate.
The Emotional Toll of Losing a Lifelong Companion
For Cavallaro, the loss of his beloved pet has taken an emotional toll. He considers Albert an “emotional support animal” and says the alligator’s presence was a constant source of comfort. The empty enclosure serves as a daily reminder of what’s missing from his life. “Albert has been there for me through so much,” Cavallaro said. “It’s hard to walk into that empty room and not see him there.”
The Broader Implications of Exotic Animal Ownership
The case of Albert the Gator highlights the complexities surrounding exotic pet ownership and raises important questions about legal rights and regulations. Different states have varying laws regarding the ownership of dangerous animals, with New York being among the stricter states. The recent tightening of regulations likely played a significant role in the decision to have the pet alligator seized.
The case also touches on the strong bonds that can form between humans and even the most unusual pets. Cavallaro’s determination to fight for his pet alligator underscores just how important these bonds can be, even when the pet in question is an alligator.
Conclusion: The Fight to Bring Albert Home Is Far from Over
For now, Albert remains in limbo as his owner fights to bring him back. The legal process will likely be lengthy, with Cavallaro’s legal team preparing for a court challenge to the DEC’s decision. The outcome of the case will not only determine the pet alligator’s future but could also set a precedent for exotic animal ownership in the state.
FAQs
Why was Albert the alligator seized?
Albert was taken because his owner, Tony Cavallaro, had an expired license to keep the pet alligator, and his enclosure did not meet the updated safety standards required by New York state regulations.
What is unique about Albert the alligator?
Albert was raised in captivity for over 30 years and is described by Cavallaro as a gentle and affectionate animal. Unlike other exotic pets, Albert has bonded with family members and has never shown aggression.
Is owning an alligator legal in New York?
Yes, but it requires a special license and the animal’s enclosure must comply with strict safety regulations. The recent changes in the laws have made it more challenging to keep dangerous animals legally in the state.
Where is Albert now?
Albert is currently being cared for by a licensed caretaker, although the DEC has not disclosed his exact location. His future remains uncertain as Cavallaro fights to regain custody.
Could Albert the alligator pose a danger to the public?
While the DEC has cited safety concerns, Cavallaro insists that Albert the alligator attack is a misconception and says Albert is a gentle pet who has never posed a threat. His legal battle aims to demonstrate Albert’s unique nature and secure his return.
