In recent days, social media has buzzed with alleged sightings of an alligator in Riverview Park, Mesa. Nestled at Dobson and Rio Salado, the park is a popular destination for children, boasting various amenities. Despite the tranquil setting, images on platforms like Reddit depict what seems to be an alligator sunbathing near a pedestrian path. However, closer inspection reveals it to be a lifelike replica, potentially placed there by the Parks Department.

A Reptilian History: Alligators in Mesa

Mesa’s sensitivity to alligator-related concerns stems from a decades-long urban legend. The belief that alligators, much like mythical creatures such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, quietly inhabit canals and lakes, has persisted for over 60 years.

The origin of this legend can be traced back to the mid-1950s when a young man from Mississippi, Jack Adams, established the Jack Adams Alligator Farm east of the Starlight Motel. This peculiar business showcased alligators and exotic animals, earning Adams an appearance on the popular TV show “What’s My Line?” in 1955.

In 1962, Adams sold three 10-foot gators to the Maytag Zoo (now Phoenix Zoo). However, a year later, Adams had a change of heart and decided to leave the reptilian business to pursue a different calling: religion. He leased the enterprise to Dale Logiston from Texas.

Abandoned Alligator Farm: The Great Escape

With Adams no longer attracting visitors, business declined, and in 1963, Logiston closed the farm, leaving over 200 hibernating alligators behind. Seizing the opportunity, Mesa High School students broke into the abandoned farm, initiating the infamous “Alligator Farm Raid.”

The students took free tours of the deserted farm and, realizing the alligators were “free for the taking,” embarked on a mission to relocate the creatures to local lakes and canals. This daring escapade gained national attention, even prompting Walter Cronkite to report on the “town being overrun by alligators” during a broadcast.

The Legacy Lives On

The legacy of the “Alligator Farm Raid” has endured as a mix of myth and reality. Today, Mesa’s urban lore includes tales of alligators appearing in unexpected places, adding a touch of excitement to the city’s history.

As for the recent alligator sighting in Riverview Park, it turns out to be a cleverly placed replica, sparking a nostalgic reflection on Mesa’s unique connection to these ancient reptiles.