The 7-foot-long, 100-pound reptile was left homeless in 1998 when a traveling wildlife education exhibit closed and Tina was taken into the private Pasadena shelter in what was thought would be a temporary arrangement. But large zoos said they had no room for her, and interested petting zoos were deemed unsuitable, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

"I think visitors are surprised when they see her," said Hillary Gatlin, the Pasadena Humane Society's community resources assistant. The alligator is found near a row of Chihuahuas and across from the cages of terriers. Her defenseless pet neighbors reportedly have nothing to fear since Tina eats only a few store-purchased, uncooked chickens a week.

Tina has become "part of the family," Gatlin said. Because she depends on humans for food and is not used to interacting with other alligators, she can't be released into the wild and will be forever captive, shelter officials told the Times.