Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Everyone seems to mention how stressful it is for crocodilians when they're moved from one enclosure to another, and how feeding patterns need to be maintained and privacy, etc...

The connection I'm missing is how come these things are not needed when the animal is relocated in the wild? How can it be so stressful when they're being relocated on a daily basis in Florida?

I'm not contesting whether it is or isn't stressful, but maybe asking if anyone checks the survival rate of relocated individuals in the wild if it is in fact such a stressful event.

Thanks.

Mr. F

Good question. The key word in your post is "enclosure." I assume you are referring to the nuisance alligators in Florida that are relocated into the wild. While the capture, restraint and transport of these animals is stressful (more so, I'd say, psychologically, on younger ones, and more so physically, on larger ones), the fact that they are going into the wild, where they will enjoy privacy and opportunities for healthful eating -- all aspects of their natural lives -- makes it easier to adjust. They are going back into their natural habitat, not a controlled zoological "enclosure."

I doubt that many, if any, relocated, healthy alligators in the wild die from the relocation. If a study showed that SOME die after relocation, would that result dictate that relocation should cease altogether? The other option would be to kill them all if they are unwanted by anyone.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

Hey, thanks for the response,
Actually, according to what you said, I would think captive moves would be less stressful since food would be readily available.
I agree the "wild" is more natural (instinctually) but not having to worry about hunting after being stressed out from moving seems more appealing to me

As for what to do with "nuisance" alligators? If I had it my way, there would be none... ie. - you got attacked by an alligator? hmmmm, I guess you shouldn't have been swimming in that pond huh? or maybe you shouldn't have moved to an area that used to be a swamp...

Do we drop a stick of dynamite in the amazon river when a fisherman is attacked by pirhanhas?

my 2cent rant

Mr. F