> Woman 'borrows' gator from Tampa zoo, takes it to Orlando hotel for birthday
Woman 'borrows' gator from Tampa zoo, takes it to Orlando hotel for birthday
Clip ID 2481163
Clearance
Add to
Share
Add to Review Link
By Request
By Request assets are not available for immediate purchase.
This content has not been pre-checked for copyright.
Per clip rates are for 20 seconds of final usage. If you are using more then 20 seconds or need a different file format or have questions about clearances contact us
Description
Body camera footage released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows the moments officers wrangled a small gator that was "borrowed" from a Tampa zoo and put in a hotel bathtub in Orange County.
The alleged theft took place back in September. According to the original report from FWC, one of their officers was sent out to the Grove Resort and Water Park in Winter Garden after reports of a young gator being kept inside a hotel room's bathtub.
Video from the officer shows him arrive at the hotel and speak with the woman who took the alligator, 26-year-old Madison Stephan. Stephan reportedly told the officer she got the animal from Croc Encounters where she used to work.
After the officer explains Stephan's order to appear in court for possession of the animal, he grabs his pole and goes into the bathroom, finding the small gator sitting in the bathtub.