For decades, Charlie-Bob the Alligator lived at the heart of LSEM in the courtyard fountain at the center of the museum. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture, Wildlife & Fisheries supplied the fountain with turtles, fish, and alligators, and Charlie-Bob is believed to have arrived in the 1950s. He quickly became a beloved attraction, inspiring educational programs that shared the story of how he came to the museum.

Around the early 2000s, Charlie-Bob was relocated by the state to the petting zoo at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds, where he joined two other resident alligators. The move provided him with a more natural habitat while ensuring he continued to receive excellent care. Charlie-Bob did not die while living at the museum. Instead, he spent his remaining years at the State Fairgrounds, where he eventually passed away of old age. He was estimated to be at least 65 years old. In the absence of predators, American alligators can live 70–75 years or more.

Today, Charlie-Bob’s ashes have been preserved and are respectfully maintained by the museum in a dedicated exhibit within the archives building. This memorial honors one of the museum’s most cherished residents and preserves the legacy of an alligator that delighted generations of visitors.