At Alligator Isle, see the largest reptile in North America. The American alligator, a species once on the brink of extinction, is now thriving in its native habitat – the swamps and wetlands of the southeastern United States. They can grow up to more than 20 feet in length, and may have up to 80 sharp, pointy teeth at one time. When they wear out teeth, they grow in new ones as a replacement. In total, alligators can go through 2,000 to 3,000 teeth in a lifetime.
Alligators may appear to move very slowly, because they often stay so still, but in fact they can move up to 20 mph out of the water; in their water however, they are quite good swimmers.
These prehistoric reptiles have survived since the time of the dinosaurs and have very long lifespans. In the wild, alligators can live between 35 and 50 years, and under human care, they have been known to up to 80 years. The oldest recorded alligators have lived to 100 years old.
Come try to spot an alligator submerged in the water with only their eyes poking out or see them sunbathe on land. The Alligator Isle is also home to red eared, red-bellied slider and Alligator snapping and common snapping turtles.
Fun Fact: Alligators are carnivores and at the park they are hand fed a diet that consists of fish, horse meat and chicken. They have been known to enjoy the occasional duck or skunk that may have unfortunately happened upon them in their exhibit.
Conservation status: Recovered
