Coin-swallowing rare white gator gets second chance in Nebraska

In Omaha, Nebraska, staff at the Henry Doorly Zoo were shocked, when during a routine checkup with X-rays revealed a treasure trove in a rare white crocodile’s belly.

According to the Facebook page of the zoo, the 36-year-old American alligator named Thibodaux, had swallowed a whopping 70 coins! Surgery, delicate and precise, was the only way to retrieve the metallic menagerie. The veterinary team, as skilled as any rodeo rider, successfully removed the coins, totaling a grand sum of (drumroll, please) $7.28.

Yesterday, February 15, Thibodaux underwent a veterinary procedure to remove those objects before they caused any problems, and the team identified 70 U.S. coins.

With the help of his training, Thibodaux was anesthetized and intubated to allow us to safely manage him during the procedure,

A plastic pipe was placed to protect his mouth and safely pass the tools used to access the coins, such as a camera that helped us guide the retrieval of these objects.

All of the coins were successfully removed, which was confirmed with a follow-up X-ray image. Thibodaux recovered well from the procedure and is back in his habitat.

Facebook via the zoo vet staff

Thibodaux the white alligator had been found by a local fisherman in a Louisiana Swamp; he is one of 13 leucistic alligators in the world. Unlike Albinism, the complete absence of dark pigmentation, Leucism is the reduced coloration of all types of skin pigment. What else makes Thibodaux leucistic? His eye color. While albinos have red eyes, leucistic animals have normal coloring. You can spot Thibodaux and his big blue eyes in the Kingdoms of the Night beneath the Desert Dome.

Thibodaux case is a prime example of why respecting zoo boundaries is crucial. Throwing objects into animal enclosures, even with good intentions, can be harmful, even fatal. We urge visitors to remember, our animals are not living amusement park games.

Dr. Mark Johnson, lead vet at zoo

Thankfully, the gator had a smooth recovery; she’s back to basking in the sun, sans her metallic ballast. As for the ill-gotten gains? They’ll be donated to wildlife conservation efforts, a noble second life for these accidental treasures.

This experience with the white gator serves as a stark reminder; respect the animals, keep your hands (and wallets) to yourselves, and remember, the best souvenirs are the memories, not the metallic kind. So, next time you’re at the zoo, remember the golden rule: admire from afar, snap photos, and leave the “treats” to the professionals.

Let’s keep our animal friends safe and sound, and their tummies free from unwelcome surprises.

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