The Associated Press BURLINGTON, Iowa (February 6, 2001 12:13 a.m.
EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - For years, Gator's
Restaurant and Lounge has had a reptilian mascot on display in a large glass
tank by the cash register.
But Amy Rhodes has complained to the restaurant that it is cruel to keep
Wally Gator penned up.
Rhodes, of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wrote to the
restaurant Friday saying Wally should be sent to a sanctuary where he can live
among his own kind.
Rhodes' organization said restaurant patrons had complained about Wally's
captivity.
"Nobody has said anything to me in 12 1/2 years," said restaurant owner Wally
Day, for whom the toothy 2-foot reptile is named.
Rhodes' letter said alligators can live to be 50 years old and are
"incredibly intelligent and sensitive animals."
Day said Wally isn't even an alligator. He's a dwarf caiman, a member of the
crocodile family, and he was purchased from a pet store.
"If I'm in trouble with one caiman, then the pet store must really be in deep
trouble," Day said.
Professionals come in regularly to bathe Wally and check his condition. They
also clean his new 6-foot tank, Day said. "He's got his own heat rock and
everything. He seems happy - really happy." ~~~~~~~~~~~~
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