mm diameter) was coated with mineral oil and inserted into the esophagus and then into

the stomach of the alligator (Figure 2-1). An external marker indicating the posterior end

of the stomach (fourth whirl of scutes anterior to hind legs) allowed confirmation of

proper placement of the hose. The lavaging hose was connected to a garden hose, which

was connected to the water source. The water source was from a domestic water supply,

or from the lake using a 2839 liters per hour bilge pump or a 3.5 hp Briggs and Stratton

motor driven pump, and all provided around 50 liters per minute of water.

 The alligator was then angled down with its mouth positioned over a 68-liter

bucket. With the water source running, the animal was squeezed in a 'Heimlich

maneuver' (Heimlich 1975) resulting in the expulsion of stomach content and water into

the bucket. This lavaging process was repeated until only clear water was entering the

bucket. The contents in the bucket were poured through a 0.5 mm mesh nylon strainer

and collected in 10% buffered formalin in 1L plastic j ars labeled with lake, date, and

identification numbers on each jar.

 Results

 The hose-Heimlich technique (process described above) was an effective way to

obtain the stomach contents from live alligators. In 2001, this technique was tested on 20

alligators that were destined for euthanasia and necropsy. In all but one case, all contents

were obtained through this process with little ill effect on the alligators. Minor irritations

were observed on the alligator's esophagus and cardiac sphincter. In addition, during this

study we recaptured three alligators that had been previously lavaged. These alligators

appeared healthy with no ill effects from the hose-Heimlich technique.

 During our initial testing, we observed one instance where the hose-Heimlich

technique was incomplete. During the necropsy, we found a large piece of gar