Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Florida Zoo Features a Komodo Dragon, Alligators and Crocodiles
Sep 26, 2008
For visitors looking for a real Florida alligator experience, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a must-see. Natural habitats, scheduled alligator feedings and educational programs make this reptile repository a fun destination for everyone.
Founded in 1893, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park in St. Augustine is one of the oldest zoos in America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is fully accredited with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and offers a diverse collection of reptiles, birds and mammals.
Reptiles
All 23 species of crocodiles are represented at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and the AZA operates a Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management School here as well.
The largest resident at the zoo is Maximo, a 15-foot Australian saltwater crocodile that hatched from an egg found by aborigines. Visitors can see him from both above and below the water level as he swims in his specially designed pool.
Hundreds of alligators can be seen in their natural habitat at the Alligator Swamp and Wading Bird Rookery. A raised boardwalk winds through the swamp to an observation deck so that visitors can look down upon these ancient creatures. Larger gators can be found at the Alligator Lagoon, which is where trained zookeepers demonstrate feedings twice daily.
The strange and deadly, dinosaur-like Komodo dragon is featured in a glass enclosed habitat. Rare albino alligators from Louisiana with their brilliant white hides sun themselves in private pens, and a collection of snakes, including rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, anaconda, king cobra and pythons, and giant land tortoises round out this reptile realm.
Birds
Herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills, and wood storks can be seen in their natural environment at the Alligator Swamp and Wading Bird Rookery. Just as in the wild, these birds roost high above alligators for protection from other predators, hopefully for them, high enough.
South American toucans and parrots, Australian kookaburras and Asian pheasants are on display, and vultures, cranes, storks and African hornbills are some of the other birds that can be found in the Birds of Africa exhibit. The Kids Zone play area is nearby, so parents can watch the kids and the birds at the same time.
Mammals
Mammals in the park include eight different species of endangered monkeys ranging in size from the world's smallest monkey, the mouse-sized pygmy marmoset, to the large South American spider monkey. The Green Acouchi, a South American guinea pig-like rodent, a porcupine even rabbits can be found at here, so there is definitely something for everyone.
Admission and Hours
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with extended summer hours. Admission is $21.95 for adults ages 12 and older, $10. 95 for children ages 3 to 11, with discounted admission for persons with disabilities. The zoo is fully accessible and offers a snack bar and a gift shop.
For more information about the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, call (904) 824-3337.
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