We were pleasantly surprised. All the alligators are "rescued" from housing developments, etc. and moved to the expansive natural settings of Alligator Alley. Instead of feasting on family pets, these nuisance alligators now feed on turtles, snakes, fish and other more appropriate morsels. The large natural setting includes a swamp which offers viewing on an elevated boardwalk. Food pellets are for sale to reward the creatures for being themselves.
So, what is the difference between alligators and their cousins, the crocodiles? There are several including alligators prefer freshwater whereas crocs prefer saltwater. Alligators have a U-shaped, rounded snout whereas the crocs have more of a pointed, V-shaped snout. But the easiest way to distinguish them is that the crocodile has a tooth on their lower jaw which sticks up over their upper lip even when their mouth is closed. But whatever they are, they are best viewed in the wild from a distance.
Alligator Alley is very kid-friendly. Even older kids can get into the act.
Above, the great and fearless hunters has captured a ferocious young alligator saving the local community from certain destruction. The band on its mouth holding its jaw shut was for demonstration purposes only!
Swimming was posted "at your own risk" throughout the park. Not too many people were seen swimming for some reason.
The star of the park is named "Cap'n Crunch." Here is the old captain snoozing in a secure area on "time out" for being too aggressive in the park.
The park has a feeding schedule where you can view the ritual from a shaded area.
The gators were feasting on a small feral pig. previously killed. It was quite a show.
We felt that the entrance fee was very well worth the experience. We have never seen so many alligators and no zoo experience comes close.
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