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responding to an old thread, reopened
Can't tame a gator? Stimulus/response? sounds like the response of someone that has never raised a gator, lol. First, I will agree that many gators, while docile, do not become what we consider tame. Now to my story, and you can formulate your own response: I raised Cricket from a hatchling. Lots of handling and interaction - during the course of care, at various presentations that I did, and just because he was my favorite. I gave Cricket to a friend (experienced with crocodilians, and properly permitted) when I left the state. There was something of an attitude and behavior change reported to me when I called to check on him, but all was basically well. When I was visiting about 8 months after the exchange, I went to see my friend (and my 'gator). My friend left me at Cricket's enclosure and went to do something. I entered, and started talking to Cricket. He swam over to the edge of the pool, and lifted himself enough that I could reach him easily. As I reached in to pet/stroke him, he began chirping as I spoke softly to him. My friend returned, commenting that he had never seen him behave that way or heard him chirp like that. My response? "you're not his daddy", lol. I had a hard time leaving him behind; and, typing this now, I am bombarded with those same old feelings. Unfortunately, I just don't have the space for another gator, but (if you have the knowledge, space, and commitment) they can be wonderful and rewarding captives
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