Alligator found in creek

A four year old American Alligator, stolen from the Australian Reptile Park over the Easter weekend, was discovered in Ettymalong Creek, Umina, on Easter Monday, April 12.

Residents near the creek contacted the park after seeing the alligator in the creek.

Thieves had stolen "Mr Cranky Pants", valued at up to $5000, over the Easter weekend.

The thieves scaled two barbed wire fences to steal the 1.2 metre alligator, only to dump it in the creek later.

Reptile keeper Trent Burton recovered the alligator.

"He had a nice adventure and came back with a couple of leeches but nothing serious," said park publicity officer Mary Rayner.

Email, April 23