On a recent trip to Key Largo, Florida, we took some time to explore the Everglades Alligator Farm. This little farm is home to alligators of all sizes, over 2000 of them! I really can’t explain myself, but I’ve always been kind of fascinated by alligators. Not the kind of fascination that leads me to want one as a cute little pet (I’m not really a pet person). But more the kind of fascination that makes me want to look at the disturbing things and learn more about them.
As a child, I would see one or two alligators every year at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska. As a young adult, I attended Immigration Officer’s Basic Training in Glynco, Georgia. I saw lots of “Beware of Alligators” signs, but I didn’t see any alligators on the training base. One weekend I caught a ride to nearby Jekyll Island, Georgia to spend some time on the beach and explore the historic island. I stopped to chat up a father and son fishing in the brackish water. After seeing another “beware” sign, I asked if there were really any alligators in the water. The guy told if that if I wanted to see one I could just dip my toe in the water. Not sure whether or not that was a joke, I thought it best to simply wish them well and head to the beach. It was a beautiful beach day!
In the early part of the 20th century, alligators were hunted to near extinction. Alligators have been sought after for their meat and skin since the 1800s. Alligator skin is used to make boots, belts, and saddles. However, after being listed on the Endangered Species Act, hunting prohibition and protection of their habitat enabled alligators to make a quick recovery. Although removed from the endangered species list in 1987, it remains illegal to kill or injure an alligator without a permit. Except in self defense, of course. Oh yeah, and they still won’t let you have one as a pet!
Enter Liz. At first glance she seemed like a reasonable person. She’s welcoming and friendly…
Then it turns out that she wrestles alligators for pay! What? Then she corrected my husband, she’s an “Alligator Handler”, not an alligator wrestler. Hmmm…that doesn’t sound any safer to me. Because I asked, she did say that her mom knows that she handles alligators for a living. But somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better.
Liz was confident, knowledgeable and entertaining. I learned that when alligator babies are born they are only about 6 inches long. Liz described them as the “chicken tenders” of the Everglades because just about any animal will eat a hatchling. Alligators are fiercely protected by their mothers for the first two years of life. They can live up to 50 years and grow to 15 feet in length, weighing almost 1000 pounds. I don’t think Liz wrestles the 1000 pounders, but she said this alligator weighs about 250 pounds.
Liz’s performance was captivating. Thank goodness it only lasted ten minutes because I don’t know how much more excitement I could take!
Next up: Sheridan. Sheridan was our airboat tour driver. I had never been on an airboat, but it’s a classic Everglades activity, so of course we climbed onboard! Before we were underway I asked Sheridan if this was his first day on the job. He assured me that it wasn’t, but that it was his first day back to work after the accident. I think I really need to quit asking people so many questions.
The ride was exhilarating! Sheridan started out slow, meandering along the shallow river, past the “Please, No Swimming” sign. I’m not always a strict rule follower, but I won’t be testing the limits in this swamp!
Midway through the airboat ride, I think Sheridan got lost, at least, well, I know we were no longer following the road. Ok, maybe I shouldn’t speak for Sheridan, but the multiple high-speed 360’s, muddy water flying, had me screaming with my eyes closed, so I just figured we were lost. Good thing I was wearing my safari hat!
This was a fun-filled day. I’m glad that we went on the airboat ride, and happy to see so many alligators and learn more about them. No worries, I didn’t take any of these little cuties home with me!
What was your last animal encounter?