An alligator at a petting zoo at Lakeview Middle School in Kansas City North went missing last week, and authorities have yet to locate the wayward critter.
The 14-inch gator was part of the end-of-year festivities at the Park Hill school and was reported missing Thursday, May 23. The animal’s mouth was taped closed, making it difficult for the gator to eat or defend itself from predators. Additionally, the school is located near several busy roads, increasing hazards for the animal.
Kansas City animal control officers with the KC Pet Project as well as Kansas City firefighters and other volunteers searched wooded areas around the school with the search continuing Friday and over the holiday weekend.
At last update, the gator was still at large.