Last Chance for Animals Wants "Reggie" the Alligator Released to the Wild

LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 25, 2007 -- Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, wants pressure put on the L.A. Zoo to release "Reggie" to the wild or to a rescue organization that specializes in alligators.

"We need to do what is best for this alligator. Reggie should not spend the rest of his life in a tiny enclosure at the Los Angeles Zoo. I sympathize with Reggie's fans; alligators are amazing creatures -- that is why we want Reggie to be given a chance to live a life as close to normal as possible. Of course, Reggie should never have been a pet in the first place and I hope the public takes a lesson from this, but now Reggie deserves a life of freedom. Captivity is not the answer."

Chris DeRose, Founder and President, Last Chance for Animals

Reggie the alligator, the 6 1/2 foot long reptile, which spent two years hiding out in Harbor Regional Park's Lake Machado, was captured Thursday. According to the zoo, Reggie is in quarantine for up to three months at the zoo, and will eventually be introduced to the other alligators. Reggie was an illegal pet allegedly tossed into the 50-acre lake by a former policeman when it got too big.

LCA is offering to pay for Reggie's relocation to freedom.

Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national non-profit animal rights organization based in Los Angeles, has been active for almost 24 years. Founded and led by animal expert, author and actor, Chris DeRose, LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty, launching public awareness campaigns, pushing animal friendly legislation and helping prosecute animal abusers. For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Lisa Beal Campaigns Director LCA (818) 681-3672 lisa@lcanimal.org