It's A Boy! 'Philippe,' Gator Rescued From Creek Is Warming Up To NY

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The gator saved from a Hudson Valley stream got a clean bill of health from an expert, and a brand new home.

On Thursday, Haverstraw police were at Minisceongo Creek, in the area of Bridge Street in Garnerville, for an unlikely reason. There was a report of an alligator in the creek.

Haverstraw police assisted in removing the alligator from the water. The Hudson Valley Humane Society of Pomona soon arrived to take possession of and care for the gator.

A herpetology expert from the Bronx Zoo pronounced the juvenile alligator in "pretty good shape" (if a long way from home). The gator expert also confirmed that the well-traveled reptile is a boy.

The Hudson Valley Humane Society said the gator is being referred to as "Philippe," and also by the more formal moniker "Al E. Gator."

"He is on his way to live at Reptile Encounters with Marc Perpetua who is the owner and operator of an educational program about reptiles," the organization said in a statement posted to social media late Friday evening. "Marc is fully licensed in New York State to possess these animals and his knowledge and depth of interest about them is incredible. Marc is today’s hero and we are so very grateful that he is able to care for our alligator friend. We do love happy endings here at the Hudson Valley Humane Society."

SEE ALSO: Alligator Rescued From Rockland County Creek By Haverstraw Police