Frenchman Who Sleeps with Alligators Seeks Refuge for Them

A Home for the Unloved

COUËRON: His neighbours have cats and dogs, but when 72-year-old Philippe Gillet settles down to watch television there is usually an alligator dozing beside him.

A Deadly Menagerie

His bungalow in western France is also home to a venomous Gabonese viper, a spitting cobra, a python, alligator turtles that can bite off a finger, tarantulas, and scorpions.

A Life of Passion

Gillet lived in Africa for 20 years, working as a hunting guide. He said he would often catch crocodiles there to keep them away from villages.

Back in France, he became a herpetologist – a specialist on reptiles and amphibians. He made his base in Coueron, west of Nantes, with his partner, their children, and the animals.

A Refuge in the Making

Financing his passion has become a problem since the Coronavirus epidemic however.

His association could no longer organise fund-raising open days to show off the animals to the public. That used to bring in 100,000 euros a year.

Now his social media videos are the main way he gets the conservation message across.

He chooses a different animal for each video, mixing education and humour “to demystify the legends and preconceptions about wild animals.”

A New Chapter

But Gillet is still concerned about the future as he ages.

“Alligators can live up to 100 on average and Allia and Gator are about 30. The volunteers will have to take over,” he said.

He is already training the volunteers on looking after the animals and wants to set up a specialised refuge for reptiles far from the suburbs where there would be less need for cages and pens.

Conclusion

With his internet following, Gillet has already raised 15,000 euros for the centre. “There are refuges for dogs and cats, why not for these unloved” species.

FAQs

Q: Why does Philippe Gillet keep alligators and other reptiles in his home?

A: Gillet, a herpetologist, has a passion for reptiles and amphibians and has been caring for them for many years. He believes that by educating people about these animals, he can help to promote conservation and protect them from harm.

Q: How does Gillet care for the animals?

A: Gillet has a team of volunteers who help him feed and care for the animals. He also uses social media to raise awareness about the animals and to promote his charity, Inf’Faune.

Q: What is Inf’Faune?

A: Inf’Faune is a charity founded by Gillet to promote the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. The charity aims to educate people about these animals and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting them.