A large alligator was recently released into the wild after showing up unexpectedly at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. The base announced the release on Facebook, stating that the gator was safely transferred to Gatorama, an alligator sanctuary in Palmdale. The massive reptile, measuring 12 feet 3 inches, was given the name “MacDill” in honor of its origins. Video posted by the base shows the gator crawling off a vehicle and swimming into the water, disappearing into its new home.
The gator became a local celebrity after a May 15 Facebook post by MacDil AFB, showing the massive creature outside the base’s buildings. The base humorously stated that “Airman Ally Gator has returned to duty,” joking about the alligator being in charge of MacDill’s complaint department. The post received nearly 2,500 reactions and over 250 comments, with many users joining in on the fun. Residents identified the gator as “Elvis,” a regular visitor to the base who is well-known in the community.
Alligators are not uncommon at MacDill AFB, as a previous video showed authorities wrangling a gator that appeared on the tarmac. It is unclear if the gator recently released is the same one as the reptile encountered earlier. Residents expressed concern about the well-being of the gator, with some hoping that it was not removed as it has been a long-time resident on the base. Another resident mentioned seeing Elvis on the golf course and expressed surprise at the gator’s journey to the hospital area.
Facebook users joked about the alligator being “out of regs” and referenced petting the “dog” as a humorous response to the gator’s presence. The light-hearted comments and playful interactions reflect the community’s fondness for the gator and its unique personality. MacDill AFB did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the release of the gator. The reptile’s journey from the base to the alligator sanctuary marks a happy ending to its unexpected visit, as it now has a new home in the wild.
