Environmental Patrol rescues two-legged alligator on Ilha da Coroa in Barra

Published on 29/10/2020 - 13:56 | Updated
Residents reported mistreatment of the animal and called environmental agentsResidents reported mistreatment of the animal and called environmental agents

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Environmental Patrol of the Municipal Department of the Environment, rescued a two-meter-long alligator on Ilha da Coroa, in Barra da Tijuca, on Wednesday, October 28. Residents saw an unidentified man beating the animal with a bamboo stick and filed a report and a rescue request through the call center at 10.

One of the residents lassoed the animal to ensure that the alligator would not escape while waiting for the Environmental Patrol to arrive. The Municipal Guard agents had a hard time getting the animal out of the Lagoon, near the bridge that connects the mainland to Ilha da Coroa, in Barrinha, due to its size and strong resistance to rescue.

The animal was found with two of its legs amputated, the right front and the left rear, probably in a dispute over territory with another male, very common among animals of this species. This, however, does not compromise its locomotion or its survival.

The alligator was taken to the Chico Mendes Municipal Natural Park, which has an isolated enclosure for alligators, where it will be observed and cared for by biologists and veterinarians. Only after this evaluation will the animal be returned to its natural habitat.

Puppy rescue

On Tuesday, October 27, the Environmental Patrol also rescued a baby alligator in Madureira Park. The animal was mistaken for a lizard and visitors called the Municipal Guard stationed in the park, who held the baby until the Environmental Patrol arrived.

The animal was taken to the Environmental Patrol's base I, in the center of Rio, while waiting to be transferred to the Chico Mendes Municipal Park.

Environmental Patrol

The Rio City Hall advises the public to always call the Environmental Patrol if they spot wild animals in urban areas and in a risky situation, by calling 1746, which operates 24 hours a day. Handling animals without the presence of agents is not advisable and is dangerous. The Environmental Patrol, from the Municipal Department of the Environment, is made up of inspectors and municipal guards from the Environmental Defense Group.  

  • October 29th, 2020
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