The NHL has rejected plans to use live alligators during its All-Star festivities in South Florida.
The league received backlash from PETA and 37,000 supporters of the organization, PETA said in an email to Fox News Digital.
The NHL was set to use alligators from Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife preserve in Orlando. The festivities will take place in Sunrise, Fla., at FLA Live Arena, the home of the Florida Panthers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The exterior of FLA Live Arena before the start of the NHL All-Star Skills competition on February 3, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.
(Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
Previous reports said the alligators would be used during Friday night’s skills competition, which includes fastest skater challenges and breakaways.
«Hauling live alligators in front of rowdy crowds for a silly stunt would have been downright medieval, and the NHL was right to reject these plans,» said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. «For saying ‘So long, alligator’ to this cruel event and seedy roadside zoo, the NHL is earning praise from PETA.»
A look at the exterior of the FLA Live Arena before the start of the NHL All-Star Skills competition on February 3, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.
(Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
DEVILS’ TRAINER ANDREW BRUNETTE ARRESTED ON DUI CHARGE WHILE DRIVING A GOLF CART
The organization is sending alligator-shaped vegan chocolates to the NHL as a thank you.
PETA named Gatorland one of the «10 Worst Places Exploiting Alligators for Entertainment.»
The NHL did not respond to comment on the rejected plans or how the alligators would have been used.
FLA Live Arena, site of the NHL All-Star Skills competition, February 3, 2023, in Sunrise, Florida.
(Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The league’s All-Star Game will be played on Saturday.