| Alligators are one of the distinctive, native species | | | | around the farm to view the alligators, crocodiles, |
| of Florida and if you have some fascination for | | | | caimans, snakes and other wildlife. There are |
| these ancient critters then a visit to the | | | | special alligator shows and alligator feeding times. |
| Everglades Alligator Farm will give you a chance | | | | The handlers demonstrate how the Native |
| to see them up close and learn all about them. | | | | Americans used to capture the large alligators, |
| The Everglades Alligator Farm is a privately | | | | and if you like you can get a picture of yourself |
| owned attraction that was started in 1982. The | | | | holding a baby alligator. |
| farm began as an airboat ride attraction, and later | | | | The airboat rides will take you to the back acres |
| was expanded to include alligators and other | | | | of the arm where a guide will point out different |
| reptiles. | | | | types of fish, birds and turtles that live in and |
| Alligators are in plentiful supply now but in the | | | | around the canals surrounding the farm. After |
| 1960s the American alligator was nearing | | | | touring the canal area, your guide will take you on |
| extinction and was placed on the endangered | | | | a fast whirlwind ride through the Everglades over |
| species list. It was at this time that commercial | | | | low waters where ordinary boats cannot go. The |
| farming of alligators was promoted as a way to | | | | boats use existing waterways and do not damage |
| save the species. | | | | the environment. |
| The Everglades Alligator farm is owned and | | | | The current admission prices are $23.00 for adults |
| operated by Charles and Deborah Thibos and is | | | | and $15.50 for children. If you want to visit the |
| now a busy attraction that draws tourists and | | | | farm only, and not take the airboat ride, then the |
| camera crews from around the world. The farm | | | | prices are $15.50 for adults and $10.50 for children. |
| is located at the edge of the Everglades. It is not | | | | The farm is open seven days a week year |
| part of the Everglades National Park, but the | | | | round, but it is closed on Christmas day. It opens |
| owners strive to preserve the natural habitat in | | | | at 9:00 am and the last airboat departs at 5:25 |
| its pristine form. | | | | pm. The gift shop closes at 5:30 pm |
| Today the farm is home to 2,000 alligators of | | | | The farm is located near the main entrance to |
| varying sizes. Smaller gators are kept in grow-out | | | | The Everglades National Park. at 40351 SW 192nd |
| pens and the larger ones live in special breeding | | | | AVE. Florida City, FL 33034 and the contact |
| ponds. It takes around six years before the | | | | information is as follows: Phone: 305-247-2628 |
| alligators start breading. Females will lay one clutch | | | | Fax: 305-248-9711 E-Mail: If you are heading |
| of eggs per year and each clutch may contain up | | | | towards the everglades then a stop at the |
| to 45 eggs. | | | | Everglades Animal Farm will be a great |
| A typical trip to the farm usually includes an | | | | introduction to the area. |
| airboat ride in the Everglades and then a walk | | | | |