Eight alligators seized from a Thousand Oaks home are now enjoying their residence at the Pasadena Humane Society. The gators come from a reptile raid that took place on July 6, 2017.
Todd Kates, the gators' original owner, was arrested on 16 felony counts of animal cruelty after police discovered he housed nearly 80 venomous snakes, lizards, birds, and rodents in his home without proper licensing. The alligators, some being fully adult, were kept in a pool-like enclosure in the Rancho Lane home.
Now, the alligators, who arrived at the shelter in various ages and sizes, are living in a comfortable enclosure that accommodates their needs. Complete with a basking area, waterfall and even a pond with circulating water, the new home for these reptiles has everything they need to temporarily be held.
"We were excited to have them but very happy to see an exit with them as well," said Elizabeth Richer-Campo, Senior Vice President of PHS.
"These alligators are very cool and beautiful, but it's not our speciality so it's best they live with specialized care."
The Pasadena Humane Society will be a temporary home for the reptiles until the LA County Animal Care and Control can find permanent housing for them. The department approached the shelter's CEO and president, Julie Bank, with the possibility of caring for the animals because they were aware of the experience PHS has with alligators.
Tina was the shelter's resident alligator for over 15 years before she moved to the LA Zoo in 2016. She left behind her 12-by-20-foot enclosure, which the eight gators are now happy to be residing in.
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They appear to be in good health, are eating well and are "acting like gators," according to Campo.
Pasadena residents have not expressed any concerns over their new, scaly neighbors.
"The alligators are very securely housed and are not on display for the public," Campo said. "We wanted to make sure they were not visible to the public."
Pasadena Humane Society is thrilled to have the gators for a while, but look forward to the day they find their permanent home.
"We're always happy to assist other agencies in the area," Campo said. "We can work to help domestic and wild animals to make this a great community or everyone."
