Chomper, beloved alligator who lived at MS Coast nursery his entire life, dies at 64

The Pine Hills Nursery in Pass Christian has lost a beloved alligator.

The owner of Pine Hills Nursery said that Chomper lived to be 64 years old and brought awe and pleasure to multiple generations of children and adults. The average lifespan for an alligator is 50 years.

Bond told the Sun Herald that his grandfather rescued Chomper right after the reptile hatched. He was not long.

There were 21 baby alligator in the nest he found. All of them are fighting over space. Chomper was the only one who stayed over time. He could have gotten out, but he didn't. He went back to his pen after getting out on a few occasions.

The property was owned by Chomper before the nursery opened. He was one of the main people at The Wild Side.

Children came to see Chomper because he took naps in the sun.

When he was hungry my grandpa would come to him when he wanted to eat. He would just lie there.

A plaque will be placed near his pen at The Wild Side, and Pine Hills will have an alligator bench made in his honor.

People who have memories of Chomper are being asked to share them on the Pine Hills Facebook page.