Travel |

Floridian fun, history abound at St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Animal enthusiasts and curious explorers can be transported to five continents through educational exhibits and encounters with crocodilians — all without leaving Florida.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is home to 24 species of crocodilians from as far away as Africa, Asia and Australia, exotic birds and mammals, Florida native reptiles and more. One of the state’s oldest continuously operating attractions, the park opened in 1893 and has welcomed visitors ever since.

When visitors enter the park, they first see albino alligators and the main lagoon where dozens of alligators bask in the sun and await daily feeding shows, much to the delight of visitors.

The zoo is divided into distinct areas, starting with the Land of Crocodiles — where crocodiles, caimans and alligators from around the world wait in their pools and soak up the sun’s rays. Some of these endangered species have long snouts and razor-sharp teeth, harkening prehistoric times.

The Birds of Africa display includes Cape Griffon vultures, hooded vultures and Marabou storks, which are all neighbors to the lemurs of Madagascar and Galapagos turtles.

Tucked in the back corner of the park, visitors can meander along a boardwalk at the native swamp and rookery where herons, egrets, spoonbills and storks make their nests right above alligators in the lagoon.

An indoor exhibit gives guests a welcome reprieve from the heat and tells the story of Gomek, a behemoth of a saltwater crocodile who was captured in Papua New Guinea and lived at the park until he died in 1997. The animal measured 17 feet, 9 inches and weighed almost 2,000 lbs.

After Gomek reigned over the park, the St. Augustine attraction became home to Maximo, a massive 15-foot-3-inch, 1,250-pound saltwater crocodile from Australia, who can be seen in an underwater enclosure with his mate, Sydney.

As many animals and birds resemble the age of the dinosaurs, the park is also home to Florida native reptiles, snakes and a Komodo dragon.

Special programs include Florida’s Forest Friends, a hands-on program focused on the Sunshine State’s environment, “Realm of the Alligator,” a “Scales and Tails Reptile Show,” the Rainforest Review and, of course, the daily alligator feeding.

For especially daring adventurers, the park also offers the Crocodile Crossing zip line attraction where guests can soar over live alligators and crocodiles with two different courses available. The adjacent Python Challenge is a 40-foot climbing tower with a rock wall, a cargo net climb and a rope climb.

From family fun outings to school field trips, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm promises a day full of exciting encounters and plenty of opportunities to learn about ancient reptiles.

If you go

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, at 999 Anastasia Blvd. in St. Augustine. Tickets are $35.99 per adult, $20.99 per child ages 3-11 with discounts for visitors in wheelchairs. AAA members, military and seniors receive a 10% discount. The park has food and beverages available for purchase on-site. Pets are not allowed except for service animals. For more information, call 904-824-3337 or visit alligatorfarm.com.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: [email protected].