Santa gator: Woman allowed to keep pet alligator in home

LAKELAND, FL (KTRK) -- A Florida woman says it's the greatest gift this holiday season. She's allowed to keep her pet gator.

And she's dressing him up in a Santa suit for the holidays, WFTS reports.

Rambo is nearly six feet long. Mary Thorn has had him for more than a decade.

State rules require a captured gator of Rambo's size live on at least 2.5 acres of land.

However, after a year-long battle, Thorn says state officials dropped its case. One drawback is Thorn is no longer allowed to show off Rambo in public.

Thorn said, "He did Toys for Tots, he did Children and Family Services (events)."

With her children all grown, Thorn says he's just thankful she's spending this Christmas with her favorite sidekick.

Watch WFTS's full report in the video player above.