by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Educational, informative, and wildly exciting, the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is the premiere destination in St. Augustine to learn important facts about conservation, preservation, and to get an up close and personal vantage point of some of the world’s most fearsome reptiles.
Featuring thrilling attractions, fascinating species, and immersive live shows, The Alligator Farm and Zoological park offers something to excite, entice, and intrigue everyone in your party, ranging from albino alligators, Birds of Africa, Exotic Birds and Mammals, Floridian Native Reptiles, Fossil Discoveries, a Gomek Forever exhibit (in memory of one of the largest and most famous recorded captive crocodiles in modern history), Land of the Crocodiles, Lemurs of Madagascar, Maximo (starring the larger-the -life 15 foot, 3 inch 1,250 pound Maximo, the largest resident of the zoological park), the Python Cave, Realm of the Saltie, Sloth Landing, and Wading Bird Rookery, just to name a few.
Dedicated to continuing education in regard to fledgling and endangered species, wildlife conservation easement movements and clearing common misconceptions about disenfranchised specifies of various animals, reptiles, and amphibians, the park offers numerous acclaimed live shows, held daily by highly trained wildlife experts, produced and performed in a format that is both engaging and comprehensive for all ages.
Daily schedules are presented at the park and posted online for the myriad of live shows that take place on location at the park, including:
FLORIDA’S FOREST FRIENDS:
Children of all ages get into the fun in this fully interactive, hands-on program. Learn about habitats, biodiversity and Florida’s environment as native animals of Florida’s uplands are presented and discussed.
REALM OF THE ALLIGATOR:
Discover surprising facts about one of Florida’s most dangerous and captivating animals. Shows may include an alligator feeding, animal training demonstrations and a question/answer segment.
SCALES AND TALES REPTILE SHOW
Some of the planet’s most misunderstood animals take center stage in this hands-on snake and reptile show. Hold a live snake and take home a new appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
RAINFOREST REVIEW
View brightly colored exotic parrots and other rainforest animals in this informative presentation. It’s much more than a bird show. Guests learn about the rainforest’s role in our planet’s health while enjoying the on-stage antics of these beautiful animals.
Exceptionally curated and thoughtfully designed, the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park not only features some of the most exotic varieties of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and more, but also displays well-written reading materials, historical artifacts, culturally significant artworks, and much more throughout the park.
Born of humble origins in the 19th century as a small exhibit of various reptiles, the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park now functions as a massive modern zoo that has welcomed guests from around the world and has built a solid reputation as one of the most successful and educational destinations of its kind.
ZIP OVER THE ZOO
Undeniably the most thrilling and adrenaline-pumping way to experience the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, Zip Over the Zoo Zipline Course features two fun, physically intensive and challenging courses that offer the opportunity to get an up-close and personal vantage point of the incredible alligators, crocodiles, tropical birds, and red-ruffed lemurs that inhabit the park. More than 50 various obstacles will have you zipping, flying, climbing, twisting and turning throughout the lush and breathtakingly beautiful expanse of the seven-acre property.
The Sepik Course is ideal for newcomers with a lower, shorter, and less physically demanding course (recommended for children and lesser experienced Zipliners) and the Nile Course (my course, of choice ) features a higher, longer, and more demanding course.
Not for the faint of heart, this exhilarating Zipline course is completely self-guided, much longer than the average Zipline course and strenuous even for more seasoned athletes; however , an experience on Zip Through The Zoo is one that will never be forgotten, offering an unique opportunity to experience the zoo while flying to brave new heights to thrilling adventures.
Special Thanks to Molly Ebersole for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature*
WEBSITE: www.alligatorfarm.com
PHONE: (904) 824-3337
INSTAGRAM @staugalligatorfarm
Victoria Henley writes Backstage Pass for iHeart Radio and CTFashionMag.com
