His shiny black eye never blinked. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other waiting for an opening. Slowly… ever so slowly…his head creeped up and to the right. I held my breath. His algae-covered, yellowed teeth glistened with saliva. I wanted to move but didn’t dare. Just then, a white blur split the air above him as muscular jaws flew open then snapped down with a satisfying crunch, crunch, crunch. It was over. I began to breath again.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park in St. Augustine, Florida knows how to put on a good show. The main pit was surrounded by spectators tall and small when the two women began climbing in with the gators. Murmurs went through the crowd. “Are they nuts?”

Turns out they weren’t. They knew each and every alligator including their habits. “Watch that one he likes to chase us. Don’t turn your back to that one over there” A new staff member was being indoctrinated to the finer points of walking through teeth and tails. We learned about alligator behavior and saw an alligator feeding demonstration before exploring the rest of the park.

What I love about this place is the constant improvements to the grounds, shows and experiences. For just $50 you can enter the alligator compound, feed the beast and have your picture snapped under the watchful eyes of the amazing staff. $35 gets six of you into the Galapagos tortoise enclosure for a visit with these gentle giants. The grounds are beautiful, peaceful and refreshing.

Right now through May is prime bird rookery viewing in the swamp. Although some birds are here year round like the Roseate Spoonbills, many species like the Great Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Tri-colored Egrets all roost here seasonally to raise their chicks. It’s a symbiotic relationship. The gators protect the bird nests from predators and if occasionally a chick falls out… the gators get a meal. Each party seems happy with the arrangement.

Coming soon to the Park is a new snake exhibit and in anticipation of the opening they have acquired…get this…a twenty one foot, nine inch Python! It is one of the largest snakes in captivity and takes seven people to carry it. Can’t wait for the display.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is filled with exotic birds and mammals. Maximo, the giant saltwater crocodile and heir to the Gomek throne, is a treat. The Cape Griffon Vultures are creepy. The shows and programs are fun, informative and entertaining. Hats off to this wonderful attraction in              St. Augustine, Florida for continuing to raise the bar. More Photos Here.

Sponsored by Trusted Tours & Attractions.
www.TrustedTours.com

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