Chance The Snapper: Short stay in Chicago but remain deep in their memories
Chicago’s Chance the Snapper, the infamous alligator who found his way into the Humboldt Park lagoon in 2019, may have only been in the city for a short time, but his presence left a lasting impression. Chance drew crowds of curious onlookers to the lagoon as multiple attempts were made to capture the elusive gator, finally leading to the arrival of Florida trapper Frank “Alligator” Robb.
Robb was able to safely capture the five-foot alligator and give him a new home on an animal preserve in Florida. But Chance’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of Chicagoans who followed his story and still remember him today.
Chance’s fans have found unique ways to immortalize him, from t-shirts to cocktails named in his honor. But for some, a tattoo was the perfect way to remember the little alligator who captured the city’s attention. One such fan was Zack Triveline, who had a 5-inch round tattoo of Chance swimming, mouth open, in front of the Humboldt Park boathouse inked onto his leg by tattoo artist Bats.
Triveline says the tattoo has been a hit with everyone who sees it, and it’s easy to see why. Chance’s toothy grin and playful demeanor captured the hearts of Chicagoans who followed his story from start to finish.
But while Chance may have been a beloved figure in Chicago, it’s important to remember that he was also a non-native species who should never have been in the lagoon in the first place. It is illegal to keep alligators as pets in the state of Illinois, and it is also illegal to release a pet into a public park.
It’s unfortunate that Chance was released into the lagoon, but his capture and relocation to a new home in Florida were necessary for his own safety and the safety of the people who live near the lagoon. While it’s always tempting to keep wild animals as pets or release them into the wild, it’s important to remember that these actions can have serious consequences for both the animal and the environment.
But despite the circumstances of his arrival in the lagoon, Chance brought joy and excitement to the city of Chicago during his short stay. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who followed his story and in the ink on the skin of his most devoted fans.
It’s been over two years since Chance captured the city’s attention, but his memory lives on. He may have been a little alligator, but he made a big impact on the city of Chicago and reminded us all of the wonder and excitement that nature can bring into our lives.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/X69U4qIlOto
- https://abc7chicago.com/chance-the-snapper-chicago-caught-humboldt-park-alligator/6309348/
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/08/23/from-the-flags-stars-to-hot-dogs-and-the-hancock-chicagoans-love-showing-their-city-pride-with-tattoos/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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