Alligator dies after being taken from Rancho Cucamonga owner by Fish and Wildlife

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) -- 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."