RILEY COUNTY — One of two alligators stolen from Reptile World in Manhattan has been found and has died.
The owners of Reptile World reported on social media late Saturday, "We are very sad to report that our alligator that was in Wildcat Creek was found dead tonight. He somehow fell into the water after getting caught in the trap set out for him/her. It’s a very sad outcome but he/she is out of the water now RIP. Our other alligator has not been found."
The section of Linear Trail between S. Manhattan Avenue and Pecan Circle will remain closed until the animals are captured safely.
Reptile World acquired the two animals as rescues. One was rescued from Kansas City where it was living in a pool at a private residence, and the other was rescued from the bathtub of a private residence in Manhattan.
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Two alligators were taken from Reptile World in Manhattan last weekend. Efforts are under way to catch them, and one has been sited in Wildcat Creek.
Friday the City issued a statement via social media.
The owners of Reptile World are continuing to work day and night to safely secure the two alligators that were reported stolen from their facility on Fort Riley Boulevard last weekend. The female gator, the smaller of the two, continues to be sited in Wildcat Creek near Linear Trail but has not yet been captured. She is staying in the same area of the creek, where she has plenty to eat and seems content to remain. The male alligator has not yet been sighted.
The section of Linear Trail between S. Manhattan Avenue and Pecan Circle will remain closed until the animals are captured safely.
Reptile World acquired the two animals as rescues. One was rescued from Kansas City where it was living in a pool at a private residence, and the other was rescued from the bathtub of a private residence in Manhattan.
"We ask that people stay away from the area both for their own safety and for the safety of the alligators," said T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter Director Deborah Watkins. "These animals will not be able to survive a Kansas winter, so it important that they are safely secured and returned to their controlled environment."