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St. Augustine Alligator Farm

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St. Augustine Alligator Farm

St. Augustine Alligator Farm
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is an exciting and educational destination that offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, conservation programs, and thrilling attractions. With its extensive collection of alligator and crocodile species, engaging exhibits, and interactive experiences, the park provides something for visitors of all ages. File photo: JennLShoots, ShutterStock.com, licensed.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, located in St. Augustine, Florida, is one of the state’s oldest and most famous attractions, offering visitors an up-close look at a wide variety of reptiles, exotic birds, and other wildlife. Founded in 1893, the Alligator Farm began as a small roadside attraction showcasing Florida’s native alligators. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged zoological park and accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Today, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is renowned for its impressive collection of all 24 recognized species of crocodilians, making it the only facility in the world to house every species of crocodile, alligator, caiman, and gharial. Beyond the reptiles, the park is also home to a variety of other animals, including exotic birds, lemurs, and reptiles from around the world. It combines education, conservation, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and tourists alike.

History and Growth

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm began as a humble attraction in 1893 when two men, George Reddington and Felix Fire, opened a small exhibit of Florida’s native alligators on Anastasia Island. It quickly became a popular stop for visitors to St. Augustine, attracting tourists fascinated by Florida’s exotic wildlife. As the years passed, the farm expanded its collection and grew into a reputable zoological park with a strong focus on conservation and education. The Alligator Farm’s dedication to preserving and showcasing rare species of crocodilians has earned it global recognition as one of the top zoos in the world for crocodile diversity.

Exhibits and Attractions

1. Land of Crocodiles: The Land of Crocodiles exhibit is one of the park’s most impressive features, showcasing the world’s largest collection of crocodilian species. Visitors can see every type of crocodile and alligator, including rare and endangered species like the Philippine crocodile and the Chinese alligator. The exhibit is designed to educate guests about the differences between species, their habitats, and the conservation challenges they face.

  • Maximo, a 15-foot, 1,250-pound saltwater crocodile, is one of the park’s star attractions. Maximo’s exhibit allows visitors to view the massive reptile both above and below the water.

2. Alligator Lagoon: In Alligator Lagoon, guests can observe dozens of American alligators in a naturalistic setting. This large exhibit offers opportunities to learn about the alligator’s behavior, diet, and role in Florida’s ecosystem. One of the park’s signature events is the alligator feeding show, where park staff feed the alligators while providing fascinating information about these ancient reptiles.

3. Birds of Africa: Birds of Africa is a beautifully designed aviary that features exotic birds native to the African continent. Visitors can see species such as marabou storks, sacred ibis, and verreaux’s eagle owls in a lush, naturalistic setting. This exhibit is part of the park’s broader commitment to biodiversity and conservation.

4. Python Cave: For fans of snakes, Python Cave is a must-see. This exhibit features massive reticulated pythons, the world’s longest snake species, along with Burmese pythons and king cobras. The cave-like design immerses visitors in the experience, making it feel as though they’re exploring a real jungle habitat.

5. Komodo Dragon Exhibit: The Komodo Dragon Exhibit showcases the park’s resident Komodo dragons, the largest species of lizard on Earth. These fascinating reptiles, native to Indonesia, are known for their impressive size and powerful bite. The exhibit highlights the dragons’ behavior, diet, and conservation status as an endangered species.

6. Lemurs of Madagascar: The Lemurs of Madagascar exhibit features several species of these unique primates, including ring-tailed lemurs and red ruffed lemurs. Visitors can learn about the endangered status of lemurs and the challenges they face due to habitat loss in their native Madagascar.

7. Wading Bird Rookery: The Wading Bird Rookery is a seasonal highlight, offering visitors the chance to see hundreds of native Florida birds, such as egrets, herons, spoonbills, and wood storks, nesting in the trees surrounding the alligator exhibits. The alligators in the lagoon below provide natural protection for the birds, deterring predators and making this a unique ecological partnership. The rookery is especially active during spring, when many of the birds are nesting and raising their chicks.

8. Exotic Birds and Reptiles: In addition to the main exhibits, the park also features a wide variety of exotic birds and reptiles from around the world. Visitors can see rare species like the green anaconda, king cobra, and cassowary, a large flightless bird native to New Guinea and northern Australia.

9. The Crocodile Crossing Zip Line: For visitors looking for adventure, the Crocodile Crossing Zip Line offers a thrilling opportunity to zip line over the park’s exhibits, including the alligator and crocodile habitats. The course features two levels of difficulty, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced zip-liners. Participants get a unique bird’s-eye view of the animals while enjoying an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Conservation and Education

1. Conservation Efforts: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is dedicated to the conservation of crocodilians and other endangered species. The park actively participates in global Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are cooperative breeding programs designed to preserve the genetic diversity of endangered species in captivity. The Alligator Farm also supports field research and conservation projects in places like Madagascar, Australia, and Southeast Asia to protect habitats and wildlife.

2. Educational Programs: The park offers a variety of educational programs, including behind-the-scenes tours, interactive animal encounters, and school programs that teach visitors about reptiles, birds, and the importance of conservation. Programs like the Junior Zookeeper Camp allow children to get hands-on experience caring for animals and learning about the day-to-day operations of a zoological park.

3. Daily Shows: Throughout the day, the park hosts live shows that entertain and educate guests. Popular shows include:

  • Realm of the Alligator: A live demonstration that educates visitors about the biology and behavior of alligators while showcasing their agility and strength.
  • Scales and Tails: A fun and interactive reptile show featuring snakes, lizards, and other reptiles from around the world.

Vicinity of Alligator Farm

About the Area

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located just a few minutes from the historic downtown of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. St. Augustine is famous for its rich history, charming cobblestone streets, and Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors to the Alligator Farm often combine their trip with a visit to nearby attractions such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

The Alligator Farm’s location on Anastasia Island also provides access to beautiful natural areas like Anastasia State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and beach activities.

Additional Details

  • Location: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
  • Hours of Operation: The park is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during the summer months.
  • Admission: General admission includes access to all exhibits and daily shows. There are additional fees for special programs, animal encounters, and the zip line course.
  • Parking: Free parking is available on-site.
  • Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps throughout the grounds. Wheelchair rentals are also available.
  • Dining and Shopping: The park offers on-site dining options, including a snack bar with light meals, drinks, and snacks. The Gift Shop sells souvenirs, apparel, and educational toys.

For more information visit: https://www.alligatorfarm.com