Here is another perspective. Alligators are not really an aggressive species. In my experience with them, for that matter all the crocodilians with which I've dealt, they seem to become more manageable over time. A few thoughts:
1. I really wouldn't view these animals as handleable 'pets'. Younger animals are less stressed by handling but this changes as they age. Lifting and carrying larger crocodilians should be minimized as it is very stressful to the animal.
Some of the 'tame' crocodilians I have seen are simply animals so stressed they literally shut down. An individual in my area had a Nile crocodile that he would pick up and pet. Stroke it behind the eyes all the way back while it sat on his chest like a cat. Impressive? In a circus act kind of way maybe. But the reality is the croc was so stressed it was catatonic. Not my idea of proper croc care. I have no doubt this animal will experience slower growth because of the stress it has to endure from being a side show.
2. I see the ease of larger crocodilians in captive scenarios resulting from a series of interconnected events. The animal adapting to a routine, the keeper doing the same, and oftentimes a larger and slower animal.
This often gives the appearance of a 'tame' animal when in fact it is not. I know with the crocodiles in my care I will at times take liberties with some that I will not with others. But do the wrong thing or something outside the routine and the calm animal becomes something else.
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'
