Googly succeeded by new leader Ivan

After more than a decade as the dominant male in the Australian Reptile Park’s American alligator lagoon, long-time alpha Googly has been succeeded by a new leader — a younger and larger alligator named Ivan.

The transition in leadership became clear during this year’s breeding season, when Ivan asserted his dominance through physical displays and vocalisations, challenging Googly’s long-held position.

While the two males engaged in a series of intense interactions, it was evident that Ivan had taken the upper hand.

With the breeding season coming to an end and winter approaching – a time when alligators enter a hibernation-like state called brumation – Park keepers decided it was the right time to carry out a health check on Googly to ensure he was recovering well from the season’s events.

Locating Googly among 44 other alligators proved a challenge, as he had moved to a quieter part of the lagoon.

The team used tried-and-tested methods to coax him into view before safely capturing him for assessment – a task requiring co-ordination, strength, and experience.

“It was a really difficult catch,” Park Manager Billy Collett said.

“Even though Googly has been displaced by Ivan, he’s still incredibly strong and smart.

“He didn’t make it easy for us.”

The health check revealed several minor injuries and one deeper wound, likely sustained during interactions with Ivan.

Fortunately, all wounds are healing well, and Googly has been given a clean bill of health.

While he may no longer be the alpha, Googly remains a significant and much-loved resident of the Park.

His story reflects the natural dynamics and shifting hierarchies of wildlife, which the Park’s team works to monitor and manage carefully.

“This is a great example of natural behaviour playing out in a managed environment,” Collett said.

“We’re proud of our team for handling the situation with care and are pleased to see Googly recovering well.”