Update 5/24 5:25 PM: Rex has been found. See more here.
BONDUEL, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An alligator is missing in Shawano County.
It’s from Doc’s Zoo at Doc’s Harley Davidson along Highway 29 in Bonduel.
Steve “Doc” Hopkins, the owner, tells FOX 11 he has no idea what could have happened.
“The only thing I can think is maybe he was pumping iron all during COVID or something and planned his escape. I don’t know.”
Hopkins is able to joke about his missing gator, named Rex, but he says he was heartbroken to find out his gator is gone.
“We came out to feed the gators today and one of them was missing. There was no sign of the enclosure being breached in any way or the gator digging underneath or anything. It’s just very strange. This has never happened before.”
Hopkins says he’s had the alligator for 35 years and while the public should keep its distance if they happen to come across it, he says Rex can’t do much.
“The old gator is very unathletic and quite overweight. He can barely open his jaws. He has terrible arthritis in his jaws. If he can open up his jaw an inch and a half, it’s a lot….The most he could do is probably slap you with his tail and that is only if you get close and upset him.”
In the winter, Hopkins’ four gators stay inside, in a heated pond. However, he says they were taken to their outside location last week.
“I’ve never even had a problem with them thinking about getting out of there,” said Hopkins. “We’re just heartbroken that he’s gone.”
Hopkins says he has alerted the Shawano County Sheriff.
If you happen to see the gator or have any information, you’re asked to call 715-853-8455.
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