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! 

Our 500+ alligators are protected by a double-fenced boundary surrounding the property, one of which goes four feet into the ground and stands 10 feet tall. Since we are located so far inland, the chance of major flooding is highly unlikely, but we still plan ahead. Our spillway allows us to adjust the water level, which is particularly important during nesting season. Avoiding flooding also helps prevent the escape of our reptiles from the swamp – but with plenty of girls, free food and great real estate, who would ever want to leave!? 

Humans are not the only ones who have an emergency plan for storm season – although, alligators have a much more claws-off approach. They have an instinctual response that allows them to read barometric changes. When they sense the low pressure bringing in dangerous weather, they submerge themselves to the bottom of the swamp to ride it out. 

Other animals on the farm require a little more attention. Snake exhibits get boarded up with plywood to keep the glass from breaking, while lizards, turtles and tortoises take shelter indoors. 

In the wild, alligators often find safety under nearby porches and decks, so watch your back when inspecting storm damage around your home. If you were to find an unwanted guest on your property, LEAVE IT ALONE and contact Alabama Fish and Wildlife. They will be able to capture your reptile friend and safely remove it. 

In the event of an emergency, we always want to be prepared. Come see for yourself all of the fascinating features around the swamp. Check out the details on pricing and hours, and stay tuned as our seasonal hours kick in. We can’t wait for your next visit to Alligator Alley! 

Sometimes, our big guys wake up on the wrong side of the swamp, usually on a Monday (relatable, right?)! When this happens, they tend to give us some attitude first thing in the morning. But no worries, because guess what’s next?

LUNCH TIME! If you’ve ever been to our live feedings, you’ll recognize the expression below. One look at these alligators and we know what they want – food. Don’t worry, we keep our fellas well fed and HAPPY. In fact, you can catch one of three meal times every day at 11, 1 and 4.

Speaking of happy, here’s a nice photo of Prince Eric sporting his weekend hat! If you catch this guy during your next visit to the swamp, give him a shout out. Fashionistas always love when their style is appreciated.

On your next adventure to Alligator Alley, snap a few photos of our alligators and be sure to use our hashtag, #AlligatorAlleyAdventure, when posting to Facebook. Also, follow us on Instagram and say “hi” to our scaly friends in the comments section. They’re big fans of feedback.

Our feedings are at 11, 1 and 4 every day and typically last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes (depending on how hungry these guys are!). We usually go through about 200 pounds of pig per day to feed our growing fellas. Check out the clip below from a 4-o’clock feeding to see what’s in store for your first live feeding visit!

Don’t forget – we host field trips and birthday parties, too! For more information, check out our hours and pricing or give us a call at 251-946-2483.

While alligators are most energetic when the temps sit between 82- and 92-degrees Fahrenheit, our little pals get eager when they see friendly faces touring the farm! Throughout the next several months, we’ll begin seeing more and more alligators break free from their camouflage and lounge in the sun with their friends.

If you’ve been waiting all winter to come back for a visit to Alligator Alley, mark your calendar for Friday, February 8! We’ll be open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for you and your family to start a guided adventure to visit with our alligators. As you take in the view on your nature walk, continue your adventure along the elevated boardwalk to see alligators in their natural habitat along with other swamp inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away!

For more details about pricing or hours, visit our website. For those interested in the return of our live feeding times, they will return in early March! STAY TUNED, FOLKS!

For the lucky few that stay here at the swamp for the holidays, we spend extra special quality time with them. When we’re not watching “How the alligator stole Christmas,” we’re singing our very own Christmas carols, loud and proud for all to hear. A favorite of ours is “I saw Colonel kissing Santa Claus” and “Pickles, the Green-Nailed Alligator.”

Although the alligators typically don’t eat during the winter, they sometimes can’t help themselves when it comes to sugar cookies and eggnog (Captain Crunch gets especially rowdy!). We use the couple days we have as a small group as a chance to really connect with each other on a deeper level and appreciate one another’s company.

Everyone’s favorite part of the holiday is when Pickles shows up in his Santa Claus costume and gives all his pals a little gift to make them feel loved. Last year, he got everyone a snack (a piece of a huge hog!). This year we’re looking forward to spending time together and spreading holiday cheer!

While we aren’t open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we do invite guests to join us on December 21-23 and December 27-31 (closing at noon on December 31). For more information on winter at Alligator Alley or to view our hours, visit gatoralleyfarm.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Every year during harvesting season, typically alligator eggs begin to hatch and use their egg tooth to crack open their shell and escape into the world. Once they have emerged from their shells, they immediately begin their search for food and dodge predators along the way.

On alligator farms, the staff often assist the mother in the process, which is called “harvesting.” Basically, the farmers will retrieve the eggs from the nest and place them in an incubator. After they hatch, the hatchlings become new additions to the farm!

These baby alligators are watched over by their protective mama alligator until she believes they are ready to “take on the real world” by themselves. This generally takes about a year and then the baby alligators join a pod for up to three years postpartum. Staying in pods help protect the young from predators like raccoons, large fish, birds of prey and even other alligators!

As eggs usually hatch in June or July, they begin to leave the juvenile stage and transition into adulthood while still protected in their pods. Once the young alligators have reached four feet in length, they are then considered virtually invulnerable in the wild (and at the swamp), except to other, bigger alligators.

Now that you know all about harvesting and what follows,come visit ournew babies at Alligator Alley! While you’re there, be sure to hold them and maybe if you’re lucky we’ll let you name one!

Alligator Alley is a unique learning adventure for all ages. We have special opportunities for the kiddos and teachers to witness alligator feedings, hold baby alligators and enjoy a tour along our boardwalk. Witness more than 600 alligators – from hatchlings to mature adults – in their natural habitat, all while viewing turtles, ospreys, owls and frogs just a few feet away. It’s the perfect place to relish in the outdoors and get out of the classroom for a hands-on learning experience you will never forget!

During your field trip, you can stop by the air-conditioned alligator station to get your hands on a baby alligator. Our expert staff members are always nearby to chat and answer questions about each animal. If you want to get your heart pumping, be sure to hang around for the live feedings that happen every day during peak season at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. After all the excitement, you can enjoy your lunch at the shaded picnic tables right across from the viewing area.

Field trip prices are set at special rates and teachers and bus drivers have free admission! Visitors also have the option to buy alligator chow to feed the alligators while walking the boardwalk and taking in the wildlife.

If you’re a teacher looking for a fun, out-of-the-box field trip for your class – you’ve found it! Start your school year off the right way, with a field trip to Alligator Alley! To book a day at the farm, call 251-946-2483 or drop us a line. Don’t forget to hang out with us on Facebook and Instagram and share your fun adventures. #AlligatorAlleyAdventure

To kick off the season, we’re testing your knowledge on all things alligators! Brush up on your alligator facts and put yourself to the test! We’ve got a couple tricks up our sleeves.

Let’s play a little game of true or false.

First up…True or False?

Alligators rarely live past 30 years.

FALSE!

To date, the oldest alligator on record is in its early 70s!

True or False?

Alligators are unable to naturally regulate their temperatures.

TRUE!

Reptiles depend on the sun and other forms of warmth to maintain a stable body temperature.

True or False?

An alligator can go through 2,000 teeth in a lifetime.

TRUE!

Alligators have around 74 to 80 teeth in their jaws at any given time, and as they wear down or fall out they are replaced.

True or False?

Large alligators can go as long as 12 months with no food.

FALSE!

Alligators can go as long as 18 months with no food.

True or False?

Alligators often stay in groups called congregations.

TRUE!

These groups are typically seen basking in the sun or taking a swim together.

True or False?

Alligators grow to a maximum length of 10 feet.

FALSE!

Alligators can grow up to a whopping 14 feet – the longest at Alligator Alley is Captain Crunch, who is 13 feet, 8 inches.

True or False?

Alligators have poor eyesight.

FALSE!

With their eyes positioned on the sides of their head, they have a fairly wide range of sight.

True or False?

Alligators of 10 feet or longer can have as much as 1,800 pounds of bite.

TRUE!

Why do you think we call him Captain CRUNCH!?

So, how’d you do? If you answered all of these correctly, you’re an alligator expert – congratulations, farm friend! If not, don’t worry! Swing by and give us a visit this month and we’ll teach you a thing or two.