On February 3 – 4, 2023, the National Hockey League celebrates the 2023 All-Star weekend. The event features the All-Stars game and various skill competitions like accuracy shooting, fastest skater, and more. However, the NHL event also became controversial. The League had planned to use alligators from Gatorland, Florida, as an attraction at the event taking place at the FLA Live Arena.

However, after their plans came to light, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) began a campaign against it. According to a report by Fox News Digital, PETA and 37,000 animal rights activists reached out to the NHL. On 3rd Feb, the League nixed its plans to have alligators as an attraction and earned praise from PETA. 

A victory for everyone who reached out to the NHL

Fans on social media rejoiced after PETA posted the news. “EXCITING NEWS! We confirmed NHL will not use live alligators in its NHL All-Star Weekend after hearing from PETA & supporters like you!” posted the official PETA Facebook page. In less than 24 hours, the post garnered around 4000 likes and over 430 comments. Animal activists and hockey fans commented on the Facebook post. While some didn’t celebrate the PETA victory, most fans rejoiced in the comments.

“Wow, some positive news for a change. Yay alligators. Somehow we need to show others that animals have feelings, emotions, and nerve endings and experience things like us.” said one fan. “Hopefully no live animals will make it out there. That’s messed up,” wrote another fan. “AMAZING news,” commented a third.

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Many fans praised PETA and their supporters for the effort. “Thank you for speaking up for the alligators,” wrote one fan. “Thank you. Alligators are an important part of the ecosystem. There is no reason to treat this creature in such an awful way,” commented another fan. Others thanked the NHL for making what they thought was the right decision.

“Well, that was an intelligent decision! Why would they even think of doing something so cruel!” one fan commented. “Thank you, NHL for doing the right thing,” wrote a fan.

However, many seemed confused why the League wanted to use alligators as an attraction. “Hockey fan. Why would they use alligators in the first place?” commented a user. “What would they use them for??” commented another user. 

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What’s your take on the alligator fiasco? How do you think the League planned to use the alligators?