Meet Alibo — the 100-year-old Tipperary alligator who is getting a makeover

Sarah Horgan charts the remarkable journey of an alligator from the USA 1920s to the wall of a Tipperary teenager’s bedroom

Rosa Ryan of Thurles, with Alibo the alligator. Although it frightened her as a child, she now plans to hang the historic gator above her bed. Picture: Chani Anderson

Most teenagers’ bedrooms are littered with clothes, make-up, trophies and school stuff. But for 18-year-old Rosa Ryan, pride of place goes to Alibo — a 100-year-old stuffed alligator.

It was during a clean-out of her late grandmother Mary’s home in Tipperary that Rosa spotted the century-old alligator and staked her claim on him.

But where did this rare creature come from?

Rosa’s mother Trish Kenny says that Alibo was a prized possession in her mother Mary’s house when she was growing up.

Her grandaunt Johanna — who was nicknamed Bo — had sourced him while was on holiday abroad in the 1920s, probably to the US — one of many trips she and her husband embarked on as a wealthy and childfree couple.

“When we asked mammy about it we were told that Auntie Bo went on a cruise and came back with a dead alligator,” Trish says.

“She and her husband had quite a lavish lifestyle for the time that was in it.” 

They must have been so excited bringing him home all those years ago.

And hence he was given the name — Alibo.

“At the beginning, I thought that they must have brought it back stuffed, but we found a taxidermy book for beginners from the late 1800s which tells me that auntie Bo’s husband, who had a tannery, probably did the job himself.”

Trish grew up in her Auntie Bo’s house, which had been inherited by her mother, and recalls Alibo being almost like another member of the family.

“My mum Mary cherished every item in that house and knew its history, but Alibo was particularly special.

“It was only when we got older that we started to realise our family was rare because we had an alligator in our hall.

“Even though we were children we were never fearful of him. He was baring his teeth but he was up high and not as threatening as he might have been on the ground.

“We had a fine old house so he fitted right in.”

Rosa Ryan and Trish Kenny share a moment with Alibo the alligator before his restoration. Once a family oddity, Alibo is now a treasured heirloom connecting three generations of women. Picture: Chani Anderson

Trish’s mother Mary passed away some time ago, and during a clear-out of her house before being put up for sale, the question cropped up — what happens to Alibo?

Selling him was never an option, despite obvious interest in such a rarity, says Trish

“When the house was up for sale the auctioneer told us that Alibo was a great source of interest. The main question when people visited the house was 'is he real?'.” 

“Up until a couple of months ago the auctioneer had been telling everyone 'no, he’s not real'.” 

“When we asked him why he didn’t disclose the detail that he was real he was surprised. It turned out he had assumed Alibo was fake all along.”

When Rosa said she wanted Alibo for her room, the rest of the family had to be consulted.

“I had three sisters and two brothers and had to put it to them before we took it," Trish said.

“Nobody was objecting, because nobody wanted it. Even my older daughter Vera, who is 19 and my son Luca (16) are repulsed by it. I think they have a bit of a fear of it to be honest.”

Trish Kenney and her daughter Rosa Ryan lift 100-year-old stuffed alligator Alibo from the boot of their car as they deliver him to Tam Powell of Silent Souls Taxidermy for restoration. Picture: Chani Anderson

But showing some obvious signs of wear and tear, before Alibo can take up residence in his new home, he is currently being loving restored to his former glory by with local taxidermist Tam Powell.

Trish said initially her plan was to repair Alibo herself, but while conducting research online, she discovered that materials used for stuffing animals before 1940 often included things like arsenic and mercury — materials which would obviously pose a heath risk if exposed to.

“This was why I decided to reach out to a professional taxidermist. Tam said she had always wanted to work on an exotic animal so it seemed like a really good fit.”

Tam, it seems, has a bit of work to do. 

“I think she is replacing claws on his feet. The tail was also in poor condition so this will need a bit of work.

“I’m not sure how it’s going to look amidst all Rosa’s posters and guitars but she’s looking forward to getting it up.”

Trish said she is glad to be see Alibo staying in the life and benefitting from a new lease of life.

“I think my aunt would be delighted we are making such a fuss of Alibo,” she said.