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Gatorland
The Alligator Capital of the World
By Patti Shenberger
There we were, surrounded on all sides by hundreds, maybe even thousands, 
of alligators and crocodiles. Everywhere we looked, gators and crocs, crocs and gators. Fat ones, short ones, long ones and some missing chunks of their tails.
My kids huddled closer, clinging to me, fascinated. What were we to do? Would we be their next meal?
Not a chance! This was Gatorland, located in family-friendly Orlando, Fla. At Gatorland, alligators and crocodiles reign supreme, with humans being the minority species. They are kept in captivity in an environment simulating their own natural Florida habitat.
As you pull into the parking lot, the first thing you'll notice is the huge green gator head, the mouth wide open with enormous, razor-sharp, white teeth. The entrance doors are nestled comfortably inside this monstrosity. This makes for a great photo opportunity as well. But remember – enter at your own risk!
Once inside, you'll face the tough decision of what to see and do first. How about the petting zoo? Here kids can go into the barnyard enclosure and interact with the emus, llamas, lambs, goats and chickens. There is feed available, so you'll have them eating out of your hand. Just remember, the animals are not shy. They all want to be your best friend for as long as the food holds out. But they are very gentle and wouldn't hurt a fly.
Snakes abound at Gatorland as well. Learn from the caretakers how to stay "snake safe" while outdoors. You'll see snakes that range from the very common to the very, very venomous.
After the kids and I watched the barnyard animals and the snakes, we wandered over to the alligator-wrestling arena. Here you see Florida's version of "Crocodile Dundee" wrestling a real live alligator with his bare hands and nothing else. In a sand-filled arena, it's man against nature. Of course, man won this day!
