In 2019, I drew a sketch of this 'gator for the 'Sonoran Marsh and
Swampland Society.' When famed Director, Jacques Couscous, saw my
drawing he began weeping and fell into my arms for an uncomfortably long
hug — and through his deep sobs, he finally choked out that was one of
the most accurate illustrations of the creature he had ever seen.
It took a while for the group's financing to work its way
through their internal systems — but more recently, at long last, I was
commissioned by the Society to digitally paint my sketch — and just
finished and submitted that effort to them in the last few days.
Commonly called the Sonoran 'Gator, its scientific name
is Travoltapolis Horribilis, and it was thought to be extinct until a
recording of its low rumbling mating call was made in 1962. A distant
and grainy photo of the elusive and shy animal was finally captured in
1976 — and though it was poor quality, research biologists
were able to confirm that it was indeed the reptile.
Since then, there have been numerous unconfirmed sightings
— and many of those fortunate enough for those encounters, describe
its odd, upright, wide legged pose it takes when startled: Remaining
perfectly motionless; with one arm extending upward and the
other down; and one leg forward and the other back.
There are unsubstantiated rumors that its low mating rumble
was imitated for the bass-line from the Bee Gee's song 'Night Fever'
and that John Travolta mimicked its odd stance for his iconic dance
move in the film, Saturday Night Fever — but neither the group
or actor have ever made any public comments about it.
Some believe that the reptile's over-sized feet allow it to 'walk
on water' (so to speak) — but this has never been officially observed
or confirmed through photo or video — though some claim to have witnessed
the act. However, most experts remain unconvinced it has this ability
— in large part because an adult males are estimated to grow
to as much as 19 feet long and weigh well over a ton.
Trapped inland as the fresh water Great Tijuana Sea began
evaporating over 17 Trillion years ago — the habitat of this extraordinary
and magnificent reptile used to extend through-out central South America —
and into most of the south-western region of the present day U.S. Some
researchers even insist there is compelling evidence it once roamed
as far as the upper reaches of present day Canada.
Environmentalists hope to flood and reclaim large parts of their
original land habitat — meaning that much of Tucson, Phoenix, San Diego
Los Angeles, and Las Vegas may someday be under water.
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This image was digitally painted
using Krita — an awesome, FREE! computer app.
Image: Copyright 2021, Jephyr! (Jeff Curtis)
All Rights Reserved
