Alligators are one of the distinctive, native species of Florida and if you have some fascination for these ancient critters then a visit to the Everglades Alligator Farm will give you a chance to see them up close and learn all about them.

The Everglades Alligator Farm is a privately owned attraction that was started in 1982. The farm began as an airboat ride attraction, and later was expanded to include alligators and other reptiles.

Alligators are in plentiful supply now but in the 1960s the American alligator was nearing extinction and was placed on the endangered species list. It was at this time that commercial farming of alligators was promoted as a way to save the species.

The Everglades Alligator farm is owned and operated by Charles and Deborah Thibos and is now a busy attraction that draws tourists and camera crews from around the world. The farm is located at the edge of the Everglades. It is not part of the Everglades National Park, but the owners strive to preserve the natural habitat in its pristine form.

Today the farm is home to 2,000 alligators of varying sizes. Smaller gators are kept in grow-out pens and the larger ones live in special breeding ponds. It takes around six years before the alligators start breading. Females will lay one clutch of eggs per year and each clutch may contain up to 45 eggs.

A typical trip to the farm usually includes an airboat ride in the Everglades and then a walk around the farm to view the alligators, crocodiles, caimans, snakes and other wildlife. There are special alligator shows and alligator feeding times. The handlers demonstrate how the Native Americans used to capture the large alligators, and if you like you can get a picture of yourself holding a baby alligator.

The airboat rides will take you to the back acres of the arm where a guide will point out different types of fish, birds and turtles that live in and around the canals surrounding the farm. After touring the canal area, your guide will take you on a fast whirlwind ride through the Everglades over low waters where ordinary boats cannot go. The boats use existing waterways and do not damage the environment.

The current admission prices are $23.00 for adults and $15.50 for children. If you want to visit the farm only, and not take the airboat ride, then the prices are $15.50 for adults and $10.50 for children.

The farm is open seven days a week year round, but it is closed on Christmas day. It opens at 9:00 am and the last airboat departs at 5:25 pm. The gift shop closes at 5:30 pm

The farm is located near the main entrance to The Everglades National Park. at 40351 SW 192nd AVE. Florida City, FL 33034 and the contact information is as follows: Phone: 305-247-2628 Fax: 305-248-9711 E-Mail: info@everglades.com

If you are heading towards the everglades then a stop at the Everglades Animal Farm will be a great introduction to the area.

Author Bio: Janice McSherry writes frequently about Orlando tourism. She is the proprietor of www.floridavacationsvillas.com . Visit her website for great deals on Florida Vacation Villas

Category: Travel
Keywords: everglades, alligators, animal attractions in Florida, Florida