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When the media gets wind of Mary Thorn’s alligator story, she’s characterized as just another crazy “Florida Man
I went to high school in Polk County Florida, the county this lady’s town is located in, in the 90’s. We had the largest high school Agricultural Department, a Gator Farm and an Orange Grove at our High School. If you got Saturday Work Detail, you were working out in the groves. I raised my kids hiking the swamps, identifying venomous snakes and poisonous plants, teaching them wilderness survival techniques and how to respect gators and nature. We live 30 minutes from the most magical place on earth but nothing is more magical than Mother Nature 🌳 🐊 💚
Protecting animals is so complicated, even at the clear extremes of wild/domestic. Laws and society don’t know what to do with a wild animal like Rambo who can no longer be wild. There simply isn’t a “correct” solution. At least he is loved.
i really appreciate seeing this and learning more about Rambo and his siblings - many times she's been on shows but they didn't explain the situation at all and that's really unfair, she seems really lovely
Telling that the answer from the woman that keeps pet alligators and sleeps with them, to the question “is there anything you’re afraid of” is “Men”. Always choose the bear, or in this case, gator. 😉
Mary has a beautiful soul, trying to give abused alligators a second chance at life. I understand putting restrictions on the alligator so it isn't abused or doesn't cause harm to others, but there's no reason to remove the gator from the suitable home Mary provides.
Mary was fixing other people’s mistake. In Rambo’s condition she was offering the most compassionate life. It’s unfortunate that veterinarians or wildlife educators could not ASSIST Mary and Rambo to improve his longevity or QOL.
I thought this was a really beautiful story and well done video. I am really inspired by Mary's kindness and patience - twoards both animals and people.
I think Rambo is a pet and beloved friend to Mary, but I think its worth reitterating that Mary also rescued and rehabilitated him. She also went out of her way to allow her gators to be an educational tool to help protect the wild population. Mary and Rambo are not just some gimmick but real stewards of conservation and protection of wildlife. I wish more people realized this and recognized Marys meaningful effort.
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Much love ~ from southern Indiana 🥰
I think Rambo is a pet and beloved friend to Mary, but I think its worth reitterating that Mary also rescued and rehabilitated him. She also went out of her way to allow her gators to be an educational tool to help protect the wild population. Mary and Rambo are not just some gimmick but real stewards of conservation and protection of wildlife. I wish more people realized this and recognized Marys meaningful effort.