KCTV (Kansas City, Missouri) 06 December 10 Owner Fights To Retain Custody Of Pet Gator 'Ali' - Alligator Sent to Monkey IslandKansas City: The owner of an alligator seized by police Friday during a traffic stop said he and his buddy were just driving around and hanging out when police pulled them over.

Chris Greening said he's upset Animal Control took away his pet, and he plans to fight to get her back.

It was quite a sight when an Animal Control officer pulled a 3-foot long alligator out of an SUV, guiding it into a cage in the back of his truck. It happened around 10 p.m. Friday at Troost and Meyer boulevards after Kansas City police pulled over Greening and his buddy, Roy Holecek.

"They walked up to my car and asked me what was in the thing, and I told them just my alligator," said gator owner Greening.

"They got him out of the vehicle and then they got me out of the vehicle too," Holecek said. "They thought Ali was fake, and once they figured out she was real, it was on from there."

Police had Holecek put the reptile back in the SUV until Animal Control could take care of it. They then arrested Greening on an outstanding warrant and sent the gator to Monkey Island, an animal sanctuary near Lee's Summit.

Greening said he bought the alligator on Craigslist six months ago and named her Ali.

"I paid $100 for her and came to find out she was worth $1,000," he said. "So it was kind of like an investment, and I got attached to her. I didn't want to get rid of her."

Holecek said, "Once we started holding her, you know, she was around humans all the time, she was almost like a dog."

"She used to sleep in my bed all the time," Greening said. "I'd keep her mouth taped shut so she wouldn't bite. But she's really mellow. She's calm. I don't see why they took her."

It's illegal in Missouri and Kansas City to own certain types of exotic animals, including alligators, but Greening still plans to fight and try to find a way to reclaim her.

"She was my baby," Greening said. "I loved that gator. I'm going to try to get her back, though."

Police did not cite or charge Greening on Friday night for possessing the gator.

Greening said his plan -- if he can reclaim Ali -- is to take care of her until she grows about 12 feet long, and then find a suitable habitat for her away from his home.
Owner Fights To Retain Custody Of Pet Gator

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