Alligator who escaped capture to join fellow reptiles at L.A. zoo

The alligator that dodged world-famous animal hunters and managed to live in an urban lake for two years is ready to move into his new home, a tank at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Photo: Alligator who escaped capture to join fellow reptiles at L.A. zoo

"Reggie" has been quarantined at the zoo since his capture in May. He will move in with six other American alligators and two Chinese gators next Thursday.

For almost two years, the alligator outwitted well-known animal wranglers like the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, a Hurricane Katrina refugee named "T-Bone" Quinn and a team from Florida's Gatorland theme park who attempted to coax Reggie away from Lake Machado. His wily ways caught the attention of the public and made him into the city's most famous reptile.

In May, Ian Recchio, the zoo's senior animal keeper and reptile caretaker, managed to corral the 150-pound (68-kilogram) alligator with the help of Recreation & Parks officials and the Fire and Police departments.

A San Pedro man who was raising exotic animals at his home dumped Reggie into the lake after he grew too big.