What’s going on behind the toothy grin of a famous Gulf Shores, Alabama, resident who’s spent plenty of time splashed across news headlines?
That’s what I was aiming to find out when I set up an interview with Chucky, a laid-back, elusive celebrity, who’s never before had a comment to give to reporters, whether they were with The Washington Post or CNN. That is, until now.
When I approached his usual hangout for this exclusive, I saw him lounging by the water. And while his position was one similar to many spending time on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Chucky was a bit more standout in appearance.
Because he’s an American alligator.
That’s right, Chucky of Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo fame is finally speaking out on his time in the spotlight and offering tips as the zoo’s oldest resident.
Photo Credit: Jason Roy
It looks like you’ve been up to one of our favorite pastimes: basking in the sun! Where’s the best spot to lay out on your property?
The sandy spot on the back side of my exhibit is really comfortable, and there’s shade cloth right there too in case I get too warm.
That sounds like the perfect place. Well, let’s jump into this interview! You’re no stranger to media attention, as you once got a lot of coverage for wandering around the zoo. Tell us your side of the story.
That all got blown way out of proportion! The water got really high during a hurricane, and I floated over the top of the fence. Everybody got scared that I ran away, but really, I was just waiting for somebody to let me back in the exhibit.
Come on, what were you really up to?
Honestly not much! I get all the food I could want in my exhibit, why would I waste time going anywhere else.
What was it like being in the spotlight?
It was pretty cool! They talked about me on TV, and people came from all over to see me. To this day, people still ask if I’m the same Chucky that “escaped.”
That wasn’t the last time you were in the public eye. You were featured in the docuseries “The Little Zoo That Could.” We heard your neighbor Magic, a yellow anaconda, is going to be in a music video. What advice do you have for her—star to star?
Remember all the people that helped you get where you are. I would have never made it this far without all the people that have helped take care of me over the years.
Photo Credit: Jason Roy
Even after all that exposure, there seems to be a lot of mystery surrounding you! Some say you’re 50, but no one is actually sure how old you are. Will this be the article where you officially reveal your age?
I think I’ll keep that secret with me.
Ah, okay. I get that! Well, you’ve been here since the day the zoo opened. As the oldest, what’s a tip you’d give new residents?
You have to figure out how to have fun! I like to lay in the same spot for a long time so people start to question if I’m a real alligator or not. It’s hilarious to watch guests try to catch me blinking or taking a deep breath.
That does sound funny! We heard you were originally living in a state park and stirring up some trouble back in ’89. How does living here compare to the park?
The zoo is a much more relaxing place to live. My keepers wait on me hand and foot. They bring me my favorite foods and clean up after me. At the state park, people were always bothering me and trying to feed me things I shouldn’t eat. I also had to hunt for my own food and compete with other alligators, which was a hassle.
American alligators are known for fasting, but when you’re ready to dig in again, what does a day on your plate look like?
Most weeks I only eat about two pounds of chicken because I have to watch my figure. Sometimes I get whole prey items, like a wild pig, because they are full of nutrients that I need and help me lose old teeth so I can grow new ones.
As we wrap this up, we have to ask... Have you ever wanted to take another walk around the zoo? And if you could, where would you go this time?
Honestly, I’m pretty content in my exhibit. I like having my own space where I can be lazy and do whatever I want. If I was going to go anywhere else, I’d probably try one of the big ponds with the islands in them. Those lemurs are pretty noisy though, so I don’t think I would want to stay for very long.
Photo Credit: Madison Sullivan
Feeling as though I’d peppered Chucky with enough questions—he was nice enough to give me the inside scoop, after all—I thanked him for his time and left him to laze. But before I headed home, I just had to ask the zoo’s carnivore department animal care manager, Ethan Williams, a few things:
How did you end up working at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo?
I’ve been visiting this zoo since I was a year old and have always loved it. As soon as I was old enough, I applied for a part-time job and worked my way up to being an animal care manager.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I can create something new that makes our day easier or the animals’ lives better.
With those questions answered, I’d done what I set out to do. But maybe you’re still curious about Chucky. He is an interesting fellow with plenty of stories to tell.
If you are, why not pay a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to see him? He values his secrets, so you might not get a response to your questions, though he won’t mind you asking, “Are you the same Chucky that ‘escaped?’”
*Interviews are edited for length and clarity.