Cincinnati Zoo animal returns after experiencing a near-death infection

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - An animal at the Cincinnati Zoo is back home after making a remarkable recovery from an almost fatal illness.

Lucy, the American alligator, returned to her habitat in Manatee Springs this week after recovering from surgery where a large portion of her tail had to be amputated.

Several months ago, the Cincinnati Zoo Care Team began to notice a shift in Lucy’s behavior where she did not seem like herself, Communications Manager Angela Hatke told FOX19 NOW.

After a medical examination, it was discovered that Lucy had a serious infection in a large portion of her tail and it needed to be amputated, explained Hatke.

The vet team was astonished by how quickly the alligator recovered after the surgery, zoo officials said.

Had the care staff not noticed a difference in Lucy or examined her, the alligator could have died due to the severity of the infection.

Visitors can find Lucy hanging out at her newly modified pool at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

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