Trio Of Pittsburgh Alligators Tampa-Bound

PITTSBURGH, PA - Three alligators captured roaming the streets of Pittsburgh recently have roamed out of town. They have been shipped to the Cape May Zoo in New Jersey, where they will be held until they can make it to their new permanent home: Croc Encounters Reptile Park and Wildlife Center in Tampa.

Humane Animal Rescue, the Pittsburgh facility where the animals have been held since they were apprehended, announced the moves on its Facebook page.

The animals were rounded up separately in the city's South Side, Beechview and Carrick neighborhoods. The first two were named Frankie and Chomp by Humane Animal Rescue workers; the two-foot alligator from Carrick was captured over the weekend and was shipped out before being named.

Authorities believe the animals were separately owned and either escaped from or were released by their owners.

According to its website, Croc Encounters is a haven for unwanted animals and an educational facility.

"While crocodilians are our main focus, we have also made it our goal to extend our haven to all unwanted reptiles - including snakes, lizards and turtles," the website stated. "Most animal shelters are unwilling or incapable of taking in these animals. We will make reptiles our main focus, and assure their proper care, treatment, and rehabilitation if necessary."