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Gatorland

The Alligator Capital of the World

By Patti Shenberger

We then took a stroll through the grounds, surveying nature all around us. On the nature trails, tall, chain-link fences separate you from the alligators and crocodiles, thus giving you complete safety, yet allowing you to view the animals at every turn. If you're lucky, you might even get to see an alligator nest up close. Gatorland harvests the eggs as soon as possible in order to prevent any little ones escaping and to ensure survival of the species.

Onward we went to the gazebo-like wooden structure built high above the ground where you can look down and view the alligators and crocodiles as they swim through the massive expanse of water inside Gatorland. From your perch some two stories off the ground, they look like logs floating in the water, but of course you know better.

Then it was time for the part my daughter loves – the gift shop. She could spend hours looking at items in a gift shop, and Gatorland's is no different. You can find everything from boots to T-shirts, books to stuffed crocs, even gator jerky and barbeque sauce for your very own gator ribs.

So grab your camera, and head on out for a day at Gatorland. You won't regret it!

Jungle Crocs of the World is an exhibit we were not able to view, though I am told it is fabulous. You can see a rare collection of crocodiles from all over the world. You learn about their predatory skills and social behaviors. Owen Godwin's collection of crocs comes from Asia, Australia, Africa and South America.