Crocodile in US Zoo has 70 Coins Removed from Stomach
Rare Leucistic Crocodile Successfully Recovers from Surgery
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, recently made headlines when it announced the successful surgery and recovery of a rare leucistic crocodile with blue eyes and white skin. The 36-year-old alligator, named Thibodaux, underwent surgery after swallowing a large amount of coins that were thrown into its enclosure by visitors.
According to zoo management, visitors had been throwing coins into the area where the crocodile was housed, and Thibodaux ended up consuming them before the area could be properly cleaned. As a result, the zoo has since urged visitors to refrain from throwing coins into any body of water within the zoo premises.
All 10 crocodiles at the Henry Doorly Zoo underwent various examinations, including blood tests and radiography, to ensure their well-being. Veterinary surgeon Christina Ploog reported that the coins in Thibodaux’s stomach were successfully removed without causing any further health issues.
In a statement released on their Facebook page, zoo management emphasized the importance of regular cleaning in the animal enclosures. They explained that despite their efforts to maintain cleanliness, there is still a risk of animals ingesting foreign objects during the time between cleanings.
The successful recovery of the leucistic crocodile serves as a reminder of the impact that human behavior can have on captive animals. The zoo hopes that this incident will raise awareness about the importance of respecting the animals and their habitats during visits to the facility.
