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THE Cairns region is well known for its man-eating crocodiles, but this little reptilian relative is fitting right in at the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm.
This little American alligator’s scientific name is mississippiensis, but her carers are happy to simply call her Missi.
The Cairns Post readers sent in almost 300 name ideas for the tiny newcomer to Innisfail’s Johnstone River Crocodile Farm, who will be photographed with Westcourt’s Roisin Beggs, 9, as part of a winning Name the Gator package, which includes a family pass to the park.
Handler Jodie Armytage said Missi was adapting well to her new and warmer life in the Far North, weeks after having been relocated from the Gosford Reptile Park.
"She and her friends are getting a lot more confident around us and they’re interacting very well with each other too," Ms Armytage said.
"There’s been no fighting."
American alligators are considered much friendlier and less aggressive than crocodiles, which are the best known inhabitants of the park, south of Cairns.
The tiny gators, which measure about 30cm now, will grow to anywhere between 2.5m and 4m, and are being hand-fed balls of mince.
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