Alligator action

I went to the Columbus Zoo last week and noticed a small group of small people (more kids than adults) at the alligator exhibit. In my experience, the alligator is motionless in the water or motionless in the grass, but I stopped to take a look. The photos aren't great, but the events were interesting.

May was on land, right up against the viewing area.

May, an American alligator. The white spots are on the glass that separates primates from reptiles.

Girl was lurking in the water. 

Girl. Yep, that's her name.

A zookeeper and a docent were present, and they explained what was going on. May was alone in the enclosure over the summer and Girl had been recently added. May and Girl have been together before, but the reintroduction was a little rocky (something like Clyde and his flock).

Girl left the water and May moved away.

Girl follows May.

Girl caught up to May and gave a nip on May's tail before May made it into the water.

Girl nips at May's tail (dang red reflection).

May quickly returned to land. It was a bit of a struggle getting a grip on the concrete bank.

May climbs out of the pool.

The keeper was not concerned about the superficial wound.

May returned to where the primates could see her up-close.

The alligator pond is adjacent to the reptile house, but I couldn't see a door. I'd been wondering how the alligators get inside, so I asked the docent. She said the gators are trained to go into crates for transport. (I should've also asked how the crates are taken inside.)

Pretty much every keeper whose talk I've heard emphasizes that animals are trained so the keepers can care for them. Elephants present a foot for inspection and cleaning through an opening in a barrier. Giraffes approach a fence and allow their blood to be drawn.