07/03/2025
Farewell, Checkers! 💚
Our Chinese alligator, Checkers, is heading to a new home as part of a carefully planned breeding recommendation by the AZA's Species Survival Plan. After nearly three decades with us, including a brief year-long stay at the Children’s Aquarium in 2017, Checkers is beginning an exciting new chapter.
If you’ve been following her story, you might remember we used to refer to Checkers as a “he.” But in 2023, we confirmed what had long been uncertain – Checkers is actually female! We’ve learned that determining the s*x of reptiles can be tricky.
Checkers has been with us since 1996 and has spent many years greeting guests from her habitat in the front lobby of the Herpetarium. If you’ve visited recently and noticed her absence, she’s been behind the scenes while our Herpetarium has been undergoing a bit of a "glow-up." This renovation began in late 2024 and has already included key upgrades, such as brand-new air conditioning to ensure the space remains comfortable for our guests. The majority of the Herpetarium reopened to guests in March 2025, however, work is still underway in the large atrium area to the right inside the entrance – that area remains closed as we completely revamp the space for a new experience featuring new species.
Checkers is known among our team for her big personality and her signature chuffing sounds. She’s been a favorite among guests and staff alike and a wonderful ambassador for her critically endangered species. We’ll miss her, but we’re so excited for what’s ahead.
Good luck in your new home, Checkers!
