A 6-foot-long alligator, named Chopper, seized by California Fish and Wildlife officials from her owner in Rancho Cucamonga last year has died.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.
For more than six months, the enclosure alongside Chris Cassaro's home has sat empty. It used to be where his 6-foot-long alligator, named Chopper, lived until she was seized by California Fish and Wildlife officials. Now, there are only wooden and ceramic reminders. "It's just something to replicate that there used to be life here and love," Cassaro said. Chopper was taken to Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Phelan while her owner worked to get the proper state permits to keep his "little girl." That was until he was notified by Fish and Wildlife officials a few days ago that Chopper had died. The alligator was staying in a small pen with other alligators, but exactly what happened to her remains unclear. "My fears were ongoing, non-stop, knowing that she was up there. She had never seen another alligator in her life until she was brought to Forever Wild," Cassaro said. When contacted by Eyewitness News, Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary referred all questions to California Fish and Wildlife. Even though there was plenty of support for Chopper in Rancho Cucamonga, for now, there's only frustration. "I never had children. I raised an alligator for 30 years and as odd as it might seem, we all have our domestic animals that we love. They're family members," Cassaro said. "Well, mine had scales and scutes, and not feathers or fur in this case. But let me tell you if I could cut off both arms to get her back, I'd cut them off in front of this camera right now and I'd like some answers."
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary would like to share our sincerest sympathies over the passing of Chopper the Alligator. As one of the few local facilities equipped to house and care for large reptiles, we were designated by California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to provide a home for Chopper during the confiscation process. Forever Wild has successfully kept healthy alligators for many years- the longest term resident being over 50 years of age. Being accredited by California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Choppers death was reported (along with the devastating death of our group of large alligators) and a necropsy performed- which revealed that the succumbed to a bacterial infection. We share the communities concern, and wish to convey our utmost diligence when it comes to the health and wellness of our animals. During her stay, Chopper was quarantined, then introduced to our existing group so she could share the pond and sunshine with them. She showed no signs of stress or difficulty socializing with the various sized alligators whom she was among the largest. Forever Wild is committed to providing the best care and quality of life that we can provide to every animal who enters our doors. We are deeply saddened when any of our animals pass on, but will not let that hinder us from carrying on and opening our doors to other animals who provide valuable experiences to the staff and the community, and continue to focus on our mission in sharing our passion for all animals.
Forever Wild Founders 3/13/2015