Reggie (alligator)
Reggie is the name of an alligator, believed to have been raised in illegal captivity, who became feral and was sighted for two extended periods at a public park in the South Bay, Los Angeles area in 2005 and 2007. The animal is now in captivity at Los Angeles Zoo.
First appearance
Reggie was first seen swimming in Machado Lake at Harbor City, California's Kenneth Malloy Memorial Park in August 2005. He became a media sensation shortly thereafter, receiving coverage as far away as Europe, and eventually inspiring a website, a line of merchandise, and even becoming the official mascot for nearby Los Angeles Harbor College.
Two men from San Pedro, California suspected of illegally raising exotic animals were arrested in August 2005 in connection with releasing Reggie into the lake.
City officials immediately set efforts in motion to apprehend him. The entire 53-acre (21 ha) lake was cordoned off and several professional "gator wranglers" were hired. But despite a nearly three-month-long effort, Reggie managed to elude capture and began making fewer and fewer appearances until he seemed to disappear altogether. Until May 2007, Reggie was believed to be either in hibernation or dead. "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin pledged that if the gator ever re-emerged, he and his crew would go to the lake and attempt a capture.