Charlie
the Alligator made his debut as mascot for the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
in October 1996. A playful representation of an American Alligator who
are native to southern North Carolina, Charlie brings smiles and laughter
to everyone he meets. The Battleship has been home to several alligators
since 1961, including one long-time resident who was given the name Charlie
many years ago. Throughout the years, the real Charlie has been an attraction
in himself, exciting children young and old alike as he lies quietly on
the rocks just below the observation deck or in the reeds across from
the Ship. Always conscious of the dangers associated with alligators,
the Battleship makes every effort to convey that fact to our visitors.
However, the popularity of Charlie with visitors, coupled with a unique
opportunity to obtain a mascot alligator from the University of Florida,
the Battleship staff was very excited about the chance to develop Charlie
into the Showboat's first official mascot! Charlie is a soft, fuzzy guy
who stands nearly 7-foot tall and looks fantastic in his white sailor's
hat and custom-made white jumper as a First Class Boatswain's Mate. Acting
as ambassador for the memorial, his mission is to teach the importance
and significance of the ship's history as the state's memorial to the
veterans of World War II. |
