is it leagal to have one as a pet in the uk i saw one in a speacilised pet shop but that was a few years ago

I don't know but I certainly hope not. Alligators are not pets. That cute little gator baby grows into a large, dangerous animal.

NO ITS NOT LEGAL SORRY AND IF IT WAS THAT LITTLE BABY IS GOING TO GROW 7 - 8 FEET AND THEY HAVE A BITE PRESSURE OF 2000 POUNDS FOR SQUARE INCH OF JAW THAT'S ENOUGH TO CRUSH BONES AND THEY CAN SERIOUSLY HURT YOU PLUS THEY CAN GO ONE YEAR WITHOUT EATING BUT WHEN THEY DO EAT THEY EAT HALF THERE BODY WEIGHT YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST SO . THEY ARE WILD ANIMALS NOT PETS TRY HAVING A TURTLE OR BEARDED DRAGON OR DOG CAT GUINNE PIG HAMSTER LEOPERD GEKO THESE ANIMALS MAKE GREAT PETS BUT NOT A GATOR

The previous answer is incorrect. You can legally own a crocodilian species in the UK but only once you have obtained a DWA (Dangerous Wild Animals) permit from your local council. To obtain this an inspector will check your facilities to a certain standard to ensure the safety of yourself, the public and the animal if you do not have the correct facilities you will not be granted a permit. Also an American Alligator (the commonly seen species) can in fact grow to around the 12ft mark and are not suitable for keeping unless you have a huge amount of space to dedicate to a zoo like enclosure. There are also many species of caiman which are closely related some of which grow to less than 6ft. However all crocodilians are dangerous and should not be kept with out the proper facilities and knowledge gained through experience working with those who already keep the animals.