Chicago Gator Chance The Snapper Immortalized In Tattoo Form

CHICAGO — Zack Triveline's wife was thousands of miles from home when it happened — when her husband changed forever. When he finally told her about his Chance the Snapper tattoo, she said, perhaps with a hint of sarcasm, "I'm proud of you."

Triveline, who has lived in Chicago for seven years and tends bar downtown at Bijan's Bistro, is one of a growing number of people who got tattoos to immortalize the appearance of an alligator in the Humboldt Park lagoon.

The tattoo, which is Triveline's 16th, shows a smiling Chance the Snapper swimming in front of the Humboldt Park boathouse. A moment frozen in time.

The epitaph reads, "Chance the Snapper of Humboldt Park, 7-9-19 to 7-16-19."

When Patch spoke to Triveline, he wistfully recalled riding scooters around Humboldt Park and while spectators came for a chance to spot Chance. He said customers at the bar were all talking about the Chicago gator too.

"I thought it was great that everyone was happy and excited, so I figured why not get a tattoo and remember this fun summer week forever."

Triveline, who has lived in Chicago for seven years and in Humboldt Park for six, knew Amanda Day at Tattoo Factory could design the ink monument for him. (To see more of Amanda's work, check out @tattoosbybats on Instagram.)

The tattoo has been a hit, Triveline said. He posted a pic on his Facebook page and got comments that included, "Bro, tell me u got this tattooed," "awesome," and "wth why?"

Block Club Chicago reports that there have been at least four Chance the Snapper tattoo sightings out there. And Triveline told Patch, "I have even had a few people tell me that they want to get the same one."

Chance the Snapper is now living a happy life in Florida, but he's bringing Chicago together even in his absence.

Triveline said, "To me, Chance symbolizes everyone getting along and enjoying what Chicago has to offer."

In a city and neighborhood plagued by violence, an errant alligator gave Chicago an idyllic moment ... frozen in time.