Charlie the alligator and Goose the water monitor have become local celebrities, but their stories highlight a bigger issue: many reptiles are kept as pets without proper care or legal permits. While Goose now helps educate crowds about reptile needs, countless others aren’t so lucky—some are abandoned or don’t survive the New England winter. Even legal pets like turtles can suffer from poor diets and neglect. These stories are a wake-up call: loving an animal means more than just wanting one. What do you think—should there be stricter rules or more education for exotic pet owners? #Pets #Boston #Reptiles