White alligator in Nebraska zoo found with 70 coins in its stomach

A 36-year-old leucistic alligator at a zoo in the US had to undergo surgery after veterinarians found 70 coins in its stomach. The alligator, named Thibodaux, has a rare condition that gives it translucent white skin and blue eyes. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, revealed that patrons had been throwing coins into the enclosure, which the alligator had been eating between cleanings. Fortunately, Thibodaux has recovered from the surgery and is now back in its habitat. The zoo has issued a warning to visitors, urging them to refrain from throwing coins into any body of water at the zoo. The procedure to remove the coins was performed quickly, with Thibodaux being anesthetized and intubated for safety. The zoo successfully removed the coins and confirmed through X-ray imaging that Thibodaux had recovered well from the surgery. The director of animal health at the zoo emphasized that such procedures are not common. The zoo veterinarian also warned of the dangers coins can pose to animals, as they can be ingested and contain harmful chemicals. The zoo reassured concerned individuals that they regularly clean the habitats, but the alligators still manage to access the coins between cleanings.