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Woman picks up 250-pound alligator like it’s ‘no big deal’: ‘We’ve built an incredible relationship’

A woman zookeeper stunned viewers after casually carrying a massive 250-pound alligator in her arms.

Published on: Sep 28, 2026, 18:18:43 IST
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Videos featuring massive reptiles often manage to be both terrifying and fascinating at the same time. One such clip has caught the attention of social media users after showing a woman zookeeper casually carrying a gigantic alligator weighing more than 250 pounds in her arms.

1. A viral video showed a woman zookeeper carrying a huge 250-pound alligator, leaving viewers stunned. (Instagram/thereptilezoo)
1. A viral video showed a woman zookeeper carrying a huge 250-pound alligator, leaving viewers stunned. (Instagram/thereptilezoo)

The reptile, named Darth, appears surprisingly calm as the woman holds him close and walks around with him. Despite his enormous size and intimidating appearance, Darth seems completely relaxed in her arms, making the unusual moment even more striking.

(Also read: Zookeeper hugs huge alligator, video ends with a funny incident. Watch)

Video shows zookeeper carrying massive alligator

The video was shared on the official Instagram page of the Reptile Zoo, where the zookeeper spoke about the bond she has developed with Darth over the years.

The caption accompanying the video reads, "Picking up Darth like it’s no big deal. This dude weighs over 250 pounds and somehow he’s just chilling while I carry him around. Darth has been with me for a long time, so we’ve built a pretty incredible relationship, but he is still a massive wild animal and always deserves respect."

At the same time, the caption makes it clear that the zookeeper does not take the animal’s behaviour for granted. While years of interaction may have helped build familiarity and trust, she stressed that Darth remains a wild animal and must always be treated with caution and respect.

Watch the clip here:

Internet reacts to the video

The clip prompted several reactions from viewers, many of whom were stunned by the alligator’s size as well as the zookeeper’s confidence and physical strength.

One user wrote, "That alligator is massive!" Another person said, "I could never be this brave." A third viewer commented, "The trust between them is incredible." Another added, "That takes some serious strength."

(Also read: Man and woman grab massive pythons on their shoulders. Internet calls it ‘terrifying’)

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahipal Singh Chouhan

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. He primarily covers offbeat, trending and human-interest stories, with a focus on emerging social media trends, online conversations and real-world incidents that capture public attention. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal works on identifying and developing fast-moving digital stories, adding context and journalistic perspective to viral moments while maintaining accuracy, clarity and readability for online audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. Beyond journalism, he has a keen interest in history and sports and enjoys expanding his general knowledge.

Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about.
Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about.
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