A Beaumont wildlife worker’s graduation photos with alligators — including one kiss — are going viral. Here’s what’s getting attention.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Graduation photos are meant to be memorable, but one Southeast Texas graduate is getting national attention for celebrating in a way few people would dare. Images from a Beaumont wildlife rescue are going viral, showing a graduate posing with — and even kissing — an alligator.
Gator Country, a rescue facility in Beaumont, shared the photos on its social media pages last Friday. The images feature one of the rescue’s employees, Kat, celebrating her graduation alongside the reptiles she helps care for.
In several photos, Kat can be seen cuddling up to the alligators, highlighting her close connection to the animals.
One image, in particular, is drawing the most attention online. It shows Kat kissing an alligator as part of her graduation celebration.
The photos have quickly spread across social media, with many reacting to the unusual — and daring — way she chose to mark the milestone.
Here is the full caption from Gator Country’s viral post:
“Proof that following your passion can take you somewhere wild- Congratulations to our very own graduate, Kat!! She is graduating with her Bachelor’s from McNeese State University, and with a passion for wildlife that’s taken her from the classroom straight into the swamp. We are so proud to have her as part of the Gator Country family!❤️🐊 #graduation #wildlifephotography“