Did you know that alligators are the largest reptile in North America? This is a fact! Many of these highly intelligent creatures were once endangered, but their species have recovered due to conservation efforts.
With state and federal conservation measures, reduced demand for alligator products, and preservation of their natural habitats, more than one million alligators are present in North America.
That doesn’t mean that all alligators are flourishing and free to roam. Some have rather heartbreaking backstories and now call the St. Augustine Alligator Farm their home. If you are looking for fun things to do in St. Augustine with your family, bring them to the Alligator Farm to learn about how research and conservation efforts are helping to save lives.
History
The Alligator Farm was founded by George Reddington and Felix Fire in the late 1800s. The ever-expanding gator collection and unique creatures like venomous snakes and other wild animals drew in more and more visitors year after year. The farm would soon earn a reputation as “the world’s largest alligator farm!”
After the farm’s initial success, the property owners began considering relocation. They purchased a 10-acre tract of land on Anastasia Island. In 1937, ownership was passed along to W.I. Drysdale and F. Charles Usina. Only a few months later, a fire destroyed the main building. The new owners rebuilt and made many improvements, bringing in animals from all over Florida, including monkeys, birds, and even Galapagos tortoises.
Drysdale’s son, David, took over operations in the 1970s and helped the Alligator Farm rise to become a significant research facility. The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has given accreditation to the Alligator Farm since 1989.
Exhibits
Depart from your St. Augustine vacation rental and head out to see the Alligator Farm’s many exhibits. Plan on spending most of the day exploring!
The Albino Alligator exhibit showcases a group of mysterious and rare creatures hailing from the Louisiana bayou. As legend has it, anyone who gazes upon these gorgeous reptiles is destined for good fortune.
The Birds of Africa exhibit takes you on a journey through the African savannah, putting you face to face with the continent’s biggest avian scavengers. You will see Marabou storks, Cape Griffon vultures, and hooded vultures squawk and squabble over who gets what to eat at their daily feeding demonstration. The more elegant and prideful West African crowned cranes prefer to prance and perform, dazzling the eye with their photo-op-worthy plumage.
If you’re into fossils, you can learn how today’s surviving species share their ancestry with ancient creatures and just how much of a family resemblance there is between them. You will also get a good idea of just how massive those extinct species were.
Some exhibits are dedicated entirely to one unique animal. For example, Gomek Forever will teach you about an 18-foot-long crocodile named Gomek, who weighed nearly 2,000 pounds and was one of the largest crocs ever to be on site. He was brought in from the waters of New Guinea and spent most of his adult life at the farm.
The largest animal at the farm these days is a crocodile named Maximo. This 15.3-foot-long, 1,250-pound saltwater croc was found along an Australian riverbank and collected by locals. He was brought to the Cairn’s Crocodile Farm, where he grew to his massive adult size. He can be viewed underwater through a window,which lets you see just how giant this gator is!
You can see even more creatures in Land of Crocodiles. This is the only place where you will see every known crocodilian species from around the globe, from the rare Indian gharial to the Nile croc.
Zip Line
One of the newest additions to the Alligator Farm is the zip line, Crocodile Crossing. It spans seven acres and has two challenging courses. You’ll get to see the alligators and crocodiles everywhere you look and meet tropical birds at eye level. With more than 50 obstacles, you will be climbing, flying, and zipping around. Reservations are required, and all ticket sales online are final and non-refundable.
Conservation & Research
Conservation and research are what help keep these animals thriving. The Alligator Farm works with other zoos and organizations worldwide to ensure these many species survive. Many creatures face habitat loss, environmental pollution, and overexploitation. With the Species Survival Plan instituted at the farm in 1981, the goal is to breed a species to maintain a self-sustaining and healthy population.
At the farm, you can find other types of animals including the Orinoco crocodile, Chinese alligator, Siamese crocodile, Indian gharial, red-ruffed lemur, cotton-top tamarin, ring-tailed lemur, Bali myna, and Vietnam pheasant.
Education
There are many educational programs for kids of all ages to enjoy at the farm. Schools and families can enjoy learning about the numerous species from highly trained zoo education instructors. All of the staff have passed federal background checks and maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio.
There are also plenty of events held throughout the year. Homeschooled children can have fun on Homeschool Days, and you can even book a birthday party here. A private Zoo Night for your group also brings many educational opportunities and lets you see how these animals act at night. You also get to do crafts, play games and eat a few slices of pizza. It will certainly leave you feeling tired once you return to your St. Augustine balcony suite!
Plan Your Visit
As you book your stay in one of our St. Augustine beachfront suites, plan your trip to the Alligator Farm. You can easily purchase tickets online, although they’re also available at the gate. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended summer hours lasting until 6 p.m.
Admission for adults costs $29.99 per person, with children 3-11 costing $18.99, and those under age three get in for free. Contact Beacher’s Lodge today, book your St. Augustine suite rental, and plan an exciting trip to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm!