We all have that one person we consider the ‘best’ friend among the rest.
Taking pictures with them give us long-lasting memories. But can you become friends with a huge reptile, an alligator to be exact?
A Texas A&M senior wanted her best friend to be included in her graduation photoshoot, so she stood up next to him and posed while wearing a graduation garb.
21-year-old Makenzie Alexis Noland considers Big Tex, a nearly 14-foot Texas alligator, her best friend.
It was during her internship at Gator Country, an alligator adventure park in Beaumont when she met Big Tex.
“It took him a few weeks for him to like me,” Makenzie said as she explained their friendship.
For some reasons, a friendship bloomed between them and their bond became stronger as time went by. The duo also became more comfortable with each other.
“It’s just like how your dog would treat you if you treat him well,” Makenzie told The Witchita Eagle. She also added that she likes to give him kisses and tickle his nose.
According to the park, Big Tex currently holds the national record for the ‘largest live-captured nuisance alligator,’ so the relationship is particularly unlikely. But these two seem to get along pretty well!
It was in 2016 when the 13’8’ alligator was caught at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. He was brought to Gator Country as he had become ‘a little too friendly’.
In a Facebook post from refuge, it was written that Big Tex had ‘lost his fear of humans’ because visitors were always feeding him.
The Gator also appears to be happy with his location at the park, and his happiness is also visible in Makenzie’s photos.
Even though she wants to land a job at the Dallas Zoo, she will make sure to always visit Big Tex.
What’s your take on this? Do you agree that humans and reptiles can be friends? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!