1. What is a day in the life of an Alligator Alley staff member like?

No day is ever the same for all staff members. Most everyone starts the day ensuring the facility is in tip top shape for all of our guests and alligators. Once that is complete, we all break off into our more specific duties, including food preparation, checking the fencing around the property, picking up trash or tree limbs and stocking the souvenir shop. Once those gates open, however, we are solely focused on making sure our guests have the greatest adventure possible at Alligator Alley. 

2. How long is a typical workday? When does it start/end?

The typical workday hours run like most any other job, 8-5, but during the winter our schedule is much more lenient. Essentially, we make our schedule around the alligators’ appetites. If it is hot, they are busy eating and we are busy feeding. If it is cold, their appetite slows down and so do we.  

3. What are some best practices of dealing with alligators? 

There really is no secret to dealing with alligators, except for the obvious: keep all body parts out of the alligator’s mouth! When body parts start getting involved with alligator teeth, well that’s when things tend to go bad. Staying calm is a good way to stay safe. We are not overly hands-on with the alligators because, well, they are alligators. 

4. What is the wildest question you have ever been asked by a guest?

We are asked far too often if someone can ride or wrestle an alligator. The answer is always an obvious, no. 

5. How much food do the alligators consume daily?

Alligators have a stomach capacity of their total body weight, but they can go up to 10 months with only eating 10% of their total body weight. During the summer months, our gators are always hunger and will usually eat as much as you feed them.

6. How often do you get a call to rescue an alligator? 

Although we do receive phone calls all the time for alligator removal, we do not actually have the permits to remove them. When those calls come through, we always tell people to call their state fish and game agency. They are the people who handle the removals of nuisance alligators. 

7. What is the process for bringing in a new alligator? 

Unless there are some special circumstances, we generally do not take in new alligators. We will work with our local fish and game authority if the opportunity presents itself. 

8. What is the most exciting part of each day?

For many of our guests, it is their first time seeing an alligator in person. Because of this, seeing their reactions is probably the most exciting!

Have you ever seen an alligator? We have over 500 scaly beasts for you to discover! Check out our pricing and hours to plan your visit today. We can’t wait for you to meet our friends here at Alligator Alley! 

Pickles is a 6-year-old alligator weighing in at about 80 pounds and measuring 5 feet long. But don’t think for a second that he’s not one to fight – this alligator talks the talk and walks the walk. For now, he remains the most popular of the alligators because of his vibrant style choices and friendly attitude (most of the time).

Now, it’s time for you to really get to know the real Pickles.

Q: Pickles, what’s the deal with the green nail polish? Where does your distinctive style come from?

A: Growing up around all these alligators, I had to find a way to stand out in the crowd! Also, green is a lucky color and complements my skin tone.

Q: What’s your favorite outfit you’ve strutted around been over the past years?

A: Hmm…I’d have to say my Santa Claus costume or maybe my sweet tux!

Q: What’s your favorite part of Alligator Alley?

A: I like to swim around and make friends! We even play games of Marco Polo in the swamp.

Q: How did you earn the name “Pickles”?

A: Because I LOVE to eat Pickles! When I was just a baby, I stole a cheeseburger and ate the pickles off of it. Ever since, I’ve been hooked! Pickles and chow together make for the most delicious combo.

Pickles had to leave our interview for an important photo opportunity in his Halloween costume, but he will answer any fan mail you might have. Just send him or any of the other alligators your questions at info@gatoralleyfarm.com and we’ll add you to our newsletter to receive updates on what’s happening around the farm! By the way, Pickles has his own Facebook page– check him out!

We are currently open every day except Wednesdays, but our hours are changing for the holidays. Be sure to stop by and spot Pickles munching on his favorite snack!

What happens when the weather gets bad?

You will get wet! Our facility is nearly all outdoors. However, the fun doesn’t have to end because of the rain. We only close for extreme weather like thunder and lightning. You can bring your own rain gear, or we sell ponchos in our gift shop if you’re caught off guard. We also offer rain checks if things get too rough outside to stay open.

Are you open year-round?

Typically, we close during most of the winter because of lack of alligator activity. It also gives our crew a chance to take a break, as well as keep the park in tip-top shape. Our website and Facebook page are the best places to find up-to-date info. about park hours and closings. Different times of the year can offer a different view into to the life of an alligator. During the colder months, the alligators are highly visible but less active, while during the warm months they are very active but spend most of the time in the water to escape the excessive heat.

What do alligators do in the winter?

Everything an alligator does, as with most reptiles, is temperature contingent. Meaning, if they are cold then they don’t do much. This includes eating and activity in general. They enter a state of torpor or brumation, which is when they become very sluggish due to the cold weather and their body functions slow down. Their heart rate slows, and digestion stops entirely if the temperature is low enough. This does provide a very good chance to view the over 600 alligators on the property as they will be on the bank trying to take in as much heat as they can.

Where is Captain Crunch?

Captain Crunch mostly resides in the back of the swamp (he likes to keep to himself). Alligators in general are very territorial and the bigger they are, the more territory they can control! In the wild, an adult male will even patrol miles of territory.

What is in the alligator chow?

Contrary to what it may look like, our alligator chow is specifically made for our animals. Its ingredients include a lot of different things, but about half of it consists of meat. Beyond that, it has bone and fish meal, corn, dried animal blood cells and a few bad kids thrown in there for flavor (just kidding!). It provides a healthy snack for our alligators and they love it! Who wouldn’t want to feed an alligator up close and personal?

Do you have more questions for us or our alligators? Stop by Alligator Alley and ask the alligators yourself or submit your questions on our Facebook page! To speak to one of our experts, contact us here or visit our website.

If you haven’t visited our farm friends yet, it’s time to start planning. Our park is now open for spring and summer seven days a week! So once you get here, where do you begin your adventure?

The first exhibit you’ll find after leaving our gift shop is through the covered walkway where we keep the itty-bitty fellas. If you grabbed some of our “alligator chow,” this is a good place for you and the kiddos to start passing out the snacks.

As you make your way through, a few hogs will catch your attention just over the fence. We have three new additions to keep our guy Moonpie company. Moonpie is around four years old and weighs a trim 500 pounds. Be sure to wave so they don’t feel left out!

Hey, Moonpie!

Next stop and a family favorite is the baby alligator station, where you can visit, feed and hold these little guys. Get up close and personal to your favorite baby alligator! While we do have some for you to hold, we don’t suggest you reach in for yourself to pick from the litter. A staff member is always on hand and ready to brighten your day as they place one of these little guys in your arms. *Cue the photo session*

Ready for something more intimidating? Keep moving past the “teenagers” in their private pools, and make your way over to the boardwalk that leads to the big guys. While peering through the swamp and searching for Captain Crunch, you’ll notice some alligators stay hidden in the moss, while others are out and about ready for show time, or, as we like to call it, our live feedings.

Everyday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. we have our live feedings – a must-see event featuring dozens of our hungry alligators climbing ashore for a good meal from our staff! As soon as they hear the dinner bell ring, they make their way out of the water and onto the grass to catch a bite. You don’t want to miss this show!

While we have a variety of animals like longhorns and ospreys, we definitely count on the alligators to be the leading excitement factor for visitors. If you’re planning a trip along the Gulf Coast this spring or summer, be sure to make a stop in Summerdale to catch one of our live feedings! For farm updates, live videos and funny photos of our best guys, like us on Facebook and follow our Instagram page!