Boston Alligator Update: Little Charles Diagnosed with Infection After Icy River Rescue
Their veterinary team examined the young alligator and determined he required medical intervention.
A baby alligator rescued from Boston’s Charles River is now receiving veterinary care at the New England Wildlife Center after being diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, according to the wildlife center. The reptile, nicknamed “Charles”, was pulled from the frigid water late Wednesday evening by Joe’s Crazzy Critters and brought to the wildlife center for evaluation. According to Joe’s Crazzy Critters’ social media post, they located and captured the alligator within 15 minutes using bright flashlights, despite the animal having “very low chances of surviving” in the cold conditions.
According to a statement from the New England Wildlife Center, their veterinary team examined the young alligator and determined he required medical intervention. “Our veterinarians Greg, Harry, and Tess examined him today and determined he has an upper respiratory infection,” the center announced. “He’s now getting antibiotics and a warm, safe place to recover.”
The wildlife center emphasized that Charles was likely an abandoned pet, highlighting a growing problem with exotic animal releases. “Alligators don’t belong in New England, and it’s likely Charles was released by someone who couldn’t care for him anymore,” the organization stated. They urged anyone facing similar situations to seek help rather than abandoning animals in the wild: “If you ever find yourself in that position, please call us and we are happy to work with you find a humane solution. Never release a pet into the wild.”
Charles is now under the care of the New England Wildlife Center’s Odd Pet Vet program, which specializes in providing expert medical attention to exotic and unusual animals. The center continues to monitor his recovery as he receives treatment for his respiratory condition. For more information about the Odd Pet Vet, visit their website at https://www.newildlife.org/odd-pet-vet/.
