College student includes massive gator in graduation photos

BEAUMONT, Texas (FOX 13) - It took an entire summer to gain the trust of the biggest gator at a wildlife rescue, and one college student decided to celebrate her graduation with the reptile.

Makenzie Noland is graduating from Texas A&M University this weekend, with a degree in wildlife ecology. Before she does, she waded into a pond with “Big Tex,” an alligator that is nearly 14 feet long.

Noland tells FOX 13 she interned at Gator Country, located in Beaumont, Texas. It is described as an sanctuary for reptiles, according to its website.

“I worked with this alligator every day, and I figured, ‘Why not wear a dress this time and celebrate my graduation with this incredible animal?’” she explained.