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Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
34 reviews for Alligator Farm Zoological Park
34 reviews in English
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Review from Ashli B.
Huntsville, AL
5/9/2012
Wow, do I love the Alligator Farm! I've been going there since I was a kid, and it keeps getting better. Now, I get to take my children, and they love it as much as I do!
First, the bad: admission price. I think $22 is really high. Very small discount if you're a local (and by local, I mean St. Johns County ONLY) you can get a pretty good discount. Military, senior citizens, and AAA can too, but it's only 10% (at the door). If you're military, I highly recommend going to ITR for your tickets. There, you can get them for around $14. If you "Zip the Zoo" you get 50% off admission. More on that later.
The park itself is terrific. Lots of crocs and alligators, birds, other wildlife, and plenty of animal shows. Love the alligator feeding demo. My preschoolers thought it was so cool! Park staff are friendly and informative. Recommend spending some extra and getting the kiddos photo taken with a baby alligator. The highlight of the park right now (in the spring) is the rookery, where birds nest above an alligator pond. You can be literally a few feet away from tiny baby birds. Amazing!
My most recent visit to the park was mostly taken over by zipping the zoo. It is a separate activity that can be done at the park. I chose to do the long course. The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful. Safety is a big deal, and for good reason. The course is self guided, but staff stand on the ground, ready to help. The course is very physical. It consists of many aerial obstacles to navigate and fabulous zip lines over the zoo. Wonderful aerial views of the park. You even zip over one of the main alligator pools. Very cool! I can't wait to do it again... after my muscles recover from this trip! :-) -
Review from Katie R.
5/2/2012
I don't know if it was growing up in the South, the show Swamp People, or the fact that while working on a golf course I watched an Alligator crawl out of the lake towards me....but I wasn't 100% thrilled about coming here the first time. Until...
1. They have 23, I repeat, 23 different types of gators here. who knew? What about an albino gator? crazy!
2. Birds and other mammals alike are at this park as well :)
3. The park itself is quite extensive and guides you through various swamps of different gators bringing you to the Lagoon....basically a massive swamp of gators with a walkway/bridge overhead.
4. Lots of gator food is offered along the way, and for a mere $.25!
After i FINALLY got over my Gator fear [well kind of], I've ventured back to enjoy this place :) -
Review from Rebekah K.
Forsyth, GA
5/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ok, I'll admit it, I was skeptical about this place, I avoided it for years as my husband begged to go, but after we went I think I liked it even more than he did. It is pricey and that was part of the reason I was turned off to this place. However, it is much more like a zoo, and the price is typical of zoo admission.
I couldn't believe we were that close to gators! You could look over into their enclosure and see them without anything but sulfur water stench between you. There are lots of exhibits featuring the really neat to look at albino gators and lots of turtles (which I love). There were some lemurs and birds too.
The BEST part was the bird sanctuary walk through. You walk over the gator infested water on a wooden catwalk and all around you in the trees are giant birds. They are squawking and flying around making their nests and sitting on their eggs, I was in hog heaven. There were heron and some beautiful duck-billed bird that looked like a flamingo's cousin. I could have spent a few hours in this area!
Having recently visited the Atlanta Zoo I was mentally comparing the two and the cleanliness of this place way outshine the ATL Zoo. Great job to these guys for maintaining their facility so well!! -
Review from Rita V.
Hudson, MA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally AWESOME!!! and they zip you through gators, and they have an incredible bird sanctuary where you can see mommy and daddy building nests, unfazed by humans. Great shows (but be forewarned, they feed rats bare handed to the gators!), awesome staff. AAA, military, acquarium members discounts. AWESOME for kids and parents alike!
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Review from Holly D.
Knoxville, TN
4/20/2012
This was one of the best parts of our whole trip! There is so much to see. Alligators, crocodiles, birds, and other animals from all over the world plus many interesing displays. The park is very clean and well laid out. You can even zip line over it if you feel like doing so.
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Review from Ian R.
2/5/2012
Where do I even begin?! Who knew there were 23 different species of crocodilans, let alone they could all be found in one place! They even ease you into the experience, making you walk through enclosures with just 2 or 3 albino alligators (which looked totally wicked!), and then making you pass through the alligator lagoon with 10-16 american alligators, and guiding you through some more small exhibits before hitting you up front with so many damn crocs in the crocodile swamp that you have to make yourself stop counting! Honestly, I stopped counting after I saw 30 crocs sun bathing on one island. I can't say enough how cool this was.
I went first thing in the morning, on a Monday, in the middle of January, and recommend that for anyone. From pictures I saw around the Farm it looks like this place gets packed in the summer, but I could view as much as I wanted and had no trouble with crowds or seeing the educational bits the keepers put on (which were extremely informative and dispelled several misconceptions I had). And when the gators/crocs weren't giving enough action to entertain us tourists, you can always spend $.25 for some food pellets and watch the crocs fight over them.
While the Farm carries a good collection of exotic birds and snakes that I enjoyed, they are overshadowed by the shear number and display of every kind of croc in the world. I spent a full two hours wandering (and I went here alone!) and only left because my feet started hurting. It cost around $20 to get in, but I would easily pay more.
Highlights: seeing 5-6 albino alligators in one place & rocking chairs near a croc viewing area. -
Review from Kristen R.
St Simons, GA
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
it was fun. you get to see lots of gators up close and feed them
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Review from Virginia M.
Jacksonville, FL
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I loved the zip line obstacle course! FYI, you have to call ahead to make reservations to secure your spot. I would return and take out of town guests here!
Listed in: Fun
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Review from Kelly S.
8/2/2011
It was fun, and the gator feeding demo was great! There are lots of different kinds of animals - monkeys, birds, giant tortoises . . . but some of the enclosures seem a little small. This is 2011, not 1955. I was really struggling with accepting that.
Also, the snack bar moved quite slowly, and 2 of the 4 slushes were out or broken. So the choice was BANANA (really?) or not-quite-frozen strawberry. So I got a diet coke. Waaah.
But the feeding demo really was awesome. Kudos to the 20-year-old kid making the gators come after him for their food. He has BALLS OF STEEL, for sure. I hope he gets to keep them! -
Review from Louisa A.
Miami Beach, FL
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Took the family there when we were visiting the area. By far the best show was the feeding of the giant gator (although I think technically it was a giant crocodile aka a 'salty'). My kids enjoyed being able to touch the snakes and hold the small alligators, but make sure they wash their hands thoroughly after each encounter. They had ziplining, although I was reluctant to let my children zipline over alligator pits. If you are hungry try to eat elsewhere as the snack bar is generally unhealthy. One plus, they serve beer.
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Review from Leigh N.
3/18/2011
This place was so much fun! My kids went nuts for the Albino gators and when they watched the feeding show they stood completely still (very rare)! We had a ton of fun and it was great to learn more about alligators and crocodiles. We even got some fun puppets!
Here is a tip: Go early in the morning as the heat increases so does the smell. -
Review from Kathy C.
Jacksonville, FL
10/17/2010
Recently went back to the Alligator Farm with out of town guests because they really wanted to see gators. The place is interesting for about an hour or so, more if you want to watch more shows. The feeding show was kinda fun, but that is about it. You'll see a lot of reptiles, so if alligators and crocs are your thing, you may find it more interesting.
It was definitely not worth the admission price for me though. I felt really robbed walking out of the place. Did I enjoy it? Sure. Was it worth the $22 I paid? Not nearly. There is so much more to see at the Jax Zoo for a much lower price. -
Review from Paul G.
Jacksonville, FL
9/30/2010
LOVE that they have renovated this place and gotten it listed as a bonafide zoological park (plus one star for that!).
I am old enough to remember when they were just another "live gators" style tourist trap (that's pronounced laaaahv gaayterz).
I do have a problem with them charging $22 admission, when all they are is a reptile & bird house. They smirkingly drop $2 off the admission price when you offer them your zoo membership card. Why pay so much for a limited zoo experience, when the Jacksonville Zoo offers much, much more for only $13.95?
They should consider the fact that most families are bringing multiple children here, and reprice accordingly. Looking at the pricing on their website, they seem to really want to deal with large groups, rather than individual tourists. Oddly, they give you half off if you use a wheelchair to get around. What's that all about? No discount for being deaf, or blind, or an amputee? -
Review from Carlos K.
8/6/2009 4 photos
The nuns who helped me shape my life brought me to this place when I was a kid. I remember the park then as being a bit rough around the edges, but now it's vastly different and much cleaner.
Entry fee is $22, but with a AAA card it magically becomes $20. Well worth the price of admission.
Alligators of every size, shape, and color (check out the albino alligator). They also have toucans, monkeys, vultures, and numerous birds.
The coolest part is the natural alligator habitat where the gatahs swim freely amongst themselves in conditions that mimic where they breed.
Feedings are conducted at 12 noon and 3pm daily for the kids.
The best part of the Alligator Farm is Gomek, the 17 foot alligator that was captured years ago and put on display. Amazing to see such a huge beast!!!! -
Review from Joseph L.
Salisbury, NC
1/15/2010 16 photos
The Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is alot more than what people think, its not just a zoo where you have watch Alligator being fed.It houses all 23 species of crocodiles in the world and is home for much wildlife in their natural setting from the Komdo dragon to exotic birds and mammals. These animals are studied and research is done to insure that some of these rare species are not lost forever.
At one time it housed the largest Alligator in captivity GoMek a monster at 18 feet and nearly 2000 pounds sadly in his passing a shrine was built where he is preserved . To replace him a smaller 15 foot Alligator Maximo at 1250 pounds lives.You have to experience this place .
Its best to bring the family a picnic stay the day as many feedings and educational exhibits and hands on learning is offered . Another must for the St Augustine area children and big kids alike will love it -
Review from Lisa M.
Naples, FL
11/11/2011
Took the family while on vacation and was not disappointed plenty to keep us all amused.We thought it had a beautiful setting.We also wanted to zip line there however we needed a reservation and didnt know it so we were unable to.But would definitely recommend the alligator farm.
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Review from Kimmie T.
San Antonio, TX
12/6/2008
I am not normally a huge fan of gators. I don't particularly hate them, per se, however,I on my own, wouldn't go searching out places to find them, let alone pay to do so. I didn't have much of a choice however, considering I was a passenger in a car with several of my in-laws who all decided this is the place we HAD to visit while in FL. I have to admit, that it was really cool. Tons of other sites to see, and several different places to watch the gators from (ex. underwater tanks, overhead bridges, etc...) The birds were all amazing...so colorful, and exotic...
Overall, this place was cool. I don't know that I would count this on the list of Top 3 things that I MUST see, but all in all, not a bad 4 hours spent. -
Review from Cari S.
Jacksonville, FL
5/18/2010 4 photos
The Alligator Farm is DEFINITELY not just for kids - although I am sure they would love it! I went with a bunch of twenty-somethings and we were all just tickled to death with the park. The second we walked into the zoo, our mouths dropped. There's a lagoon crawling with lots and lots of the scary creatures hanging out in the sun or plopping into or out of the water. It's not a massive park, but there is definitely enough to keep you interested for a few hours, and I think it is worth the entry fee. Especially if you're a tourist to the area - you really aren't going to see a park like this in many other places in the U.S.
It's not just gators. During my visit the egrets were nesting so there was a mess of photographers who set up shop in the rookery with their telephoto lenses in order to get some pretty nifty nature shots. There's a gift shop that's great for gator-related souvenirs. My friend picked up a comic booky shirt that says Gomek Forever. Gomek is the gigundo croc the farm was famous for - before he passed away. Now there's a shrine to him with some fun photos and videos. There are so many great photo opportunities in this place - many of them through fences so you actually look like you were up close and personal with a wild gator! Your friends will be impressed - and horrified - at the shots!
I visited the Alligator Farm in early May and it was sweltering, so I can imagine it's a real cooker in the summer. Don't forget sunblock! If you're a Florida resident, you get a discount. -
Review from Cec C.
Oakland, CA
2/1/2009
If you're already in St. Augustine and you're looking for something to do for a couple hours (definitely not a whole day's worth of entertainment) you should stop by. You will have the opportunity to see several different species of alligators and crocodiles that very only slightly from one another.
I don't know what this place is like when it heats up (the zookeeper suggested the animals are infinitely more active in warmer weather) but on a cool January afternoon, you have to watch for a really long time to see any movement whatsoever. I felt a childish urge to throw something in the habitats (I resisted the urge) just to make something happen.
Highlights include the display about huge alligator, Gomek, whose feedings were a main attraction before he croaked. Also, the albinos were quite striking even though I was willing to bet money they were stuffed because we stared at them for so long and they never moved a muscle. Try to catch one of the informative shows that go on every hour on the hour. Anyone is more interesting if they are speaking to you from inside an alligator pit.
And don't leave without purchasing a handful of alligator food for a quarter and starting a feeding frenzy from the bridge over the little lagoon.
This place is overpriced, but it's cool that it exists.Listed in: Flawwridda
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Review from Annie T.
St Augustine, FL
9/28/2010
Pros: Lots of stuff to see and do here. Kids will especially love it. Despite the name there are many more animals here than just alligators (and crocodiles). Personally, my favorite parts were the monkeys and the wading bird rookery. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Cons: Rather pricey, even with coupons or the locals' discount. It's also rather miserable in the height of summer - hot, oppressively humid, and smelly. I suspect it's more enjoyable in the fall and spring. Some of the enclosures and "habitats" are way too small. This place is definitely more of a zoo than a nature preserve. The animals don't look neglected or abused; there just isn't a whole lot of space for all of what's there. -
Review from David B.
Decatur, GA
9/30/2007
It's kind of expensive, and it's got hot, tired kids and annoyed parents running around, but if you have an eight-year-old on your hands, you can spend hours looking at alligators and crocodiles and watching them v---e----r----y slowly move and eat and swim and so forth.
The youngsters might even learn a thing or two, as there seem to be educational talks going on just about every hour about alligators, snakes, amphibians and other creepy crawlies.
I could not get enough of the albino alligators.... and you can even get a beer. -
Review from Monica D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2007
Ok so you're in Florida and yes it's time to see some Gators. Well you've come to the right place. Gators from just about every area around the world that they inhabit. It was neat seeing the different varieties of species.
Bring your quarters because you can get pellets from little gumball machines throughout the park and feed the gators. It's the perfect way to get a great action shot.Listed in: Florida - Th Sunshine State
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Review from Emelisa P.
Spring Hill, FL
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Couldn't see Maximo since tank was filthy. Don't cling too close to the walls of the huge spiders will get on you. Also watch below for the ants. Mosquito's are everywhere so wear bug spray. The smell is unbearable. I do not know how anyone can eat and smell the stench on a humid hot day. Walk fast around the Birds of Africa or you will get pooped on. I've had better experiences elsewhere. The birds are the only thing worth looking at.
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Review from Haley C.
Jersey City, NJ
1/16/2007
If a couple hours of looking at every type of alligator you could possibly imagine doesn't sound interesting to you, you may want to find some other form of entertainment. Monkeys, tortoises and a few different types of tropical birds can also be found here (in addition to a few other things I probably just can't remember.)
Feel free to check out my pictures to see if it's something you'd be interested in ( http://smg.photobucket... ) because the admission is $20 for adults and $11 for kids.
The highlights were watching the show where the zoo attendant fed the alligators something gross like rats and mating tortoises who kept getting badgered by the bird that was in the cage with them. You can see this in the first photobucket picture... I wish I still had the video I took because the bird kept biting the poor male tortoises' head. -
Review from Jon K.
Tallahassee, FL
8/24/2008
So you're thinking of checking this place out and wondering "Is it worth it?". I think its worth it to see once, especially the alligator show. The whole park is design like a tropical zoo and is usually packed with families with out of control kids. You stroll in to see the birds and alligators, but the pace is pretty slow. The whole park is set up on these boardwalk-style paths threw some dense growth.
You'll see alligators from different regions of the world, an exhibit on of the largest alligators (since passed), and an actual show with the trainer.
Some might say its a tourist trap, but I can tell that the owners put in a little more work than that. The ticket price is expensive, but its one of those once in a lifetime things, as I doubt many people come here more than once. Great if you have kids...if not, try to visit during an off season or early in the day to avoid crowds. -
Review from Chris S.
Acworth, GA
6/14/2006 2 photos
This place is simply awesome. Part zoo, part aquarium. Well worth whatever the entry fee is.
My 2.5 year old was absolutely enamored with everything at this park. And its the perfect size. By the time you explore everything in the park, you're ready to leave.
When you're in St. Augustine, you need to come to this park. Just plan on it. -
Review from Monica S.
4/25/2010 8 photos
Creepiest of Creepy Zoo's, and I LOVE it!!!!!!
The Alligator Farm in St. Augustine is the NATGEO watchers dream! There are several very cool elements about this park.
1. Most of the critters there could eat you!
2. Exhibits are mostly outdoor and open air exhibits allowing you to view each of the animals up front, close and personal.
3. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable on all the animals at the Zoo. And, since this is a small park, you are actually able to find these staff members and ask them questions like...'What exactly is a Crocildile smile?'
4. Not for the squeamish - But, there are 2 alligator feeding shows a day 12:00 and 3:00pm.
5. Alligators are not the only Creepy Creepies in the park! They have opened a relatively new Big Lizard Exhibit, have acquired some wayward snakes that could swallow a VW Bus, and of course the Vulture Exhibit houses crazy large birds that actually followed several small children as they patronized their enclosure.
6. The Bird Aviary is AMAZING!! During the months of April and May all of the Aviary goes into baby chick mode. Nests were being built and some had eggs on my last visit in early April. (Ahhh, back to the Alligator Farm in May or June to check out all of the super boisterous, down covered, wiggly-woggely babies!)
There are several shows throughout the day that are fun and informative as well. The Scales and Tales show and the Rainforest Review affords an opportunity for some brave souls to pet some of the smaller pythons and an actual alligator!
The only reason that I do not rate the Alligator Farm a full blown 5 star rating is that I believe for the size of the park the $21.95 ticket price is a bit steep.
However, here is an important Note: ~ If you are a Florida local or in the military, there is a nominal discount, so don't forget to mention that at the ticket counter! -
Review from Bill M.
Canfield, OH
5/1/2008
A 5-star. Wow. Put it this way, I took my nephews, ages 6, 4 and 2. Then I took my Mom and Dad, ages 60+. Both trips were a blast. Who would think. It's part zoo, part park, part novelty with just a dash of tourist trap thrown in. I'd avoid it in the height of summer, just too damn hot.
Listed in: Essential St Augustine
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Review from Peter M.
Gainesville, FL
3/9/2009
I do not think this is the first Florida attraction I would go to, but in can be interesting. It is a little on the pricey side at $22, but if you are in the area and are looking for something to do it is worth checking out. I would second what the other reviews have said and add that they do have a new Komodo Dragon exhibit. The farm has been in existence in some form for over 100 years.
Listed in: Gainesville, Florida Parks and Historical…, St Augustine
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Review from Todd S.
Memphis, TN
7/27/2010
Based on the price, I can not recommend this place to anyone. I took my family of four (Myself, wife, 3yr old, & 11mo old) for $51.00. That's a lot of money to see some alligators & turtles. Maybe three is just too young to enjoy it but my girl got bored and so were the wife & I. Maybe if the admission price were $8.00 to $10.00 per person it would be worth it. My advice, spend your money elsewhere.
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Review from Linda L.
Cypress, CA
9/14/2009 1 photo
It's pretty cool! For $50 you can go down in the alligator area to feed and pet them.
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Review from Monica T.
Alhambra, CA
3/26/2008
Believe it or not, I've been here TWICE! Yes, I can't get enough of alligators! Well, ok not really. It just so happens that my Aunt's friend's husband works there (did you get that?) and we get in for free. So, after watching the alligators being fed, we got to go inside the PIT!!! Of course not before signing your life away, waivers and such...whatever, just get me close to that thing! lol. The general public can do this but the price you pay is hefty! Aside from being dangerously close to these large reptiles, they actually charge something like $50/person to get in there. Apart from alligators, they have snakes, monkeys, birds, and tortoises. This place is good for kids considering there were what seemed like hundreds of them there! It's actually a cool place to see alligators just because you're in Florida.
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Review from Cliff N.
Fairfield, CA
3/31/2009
Unique-Interesting-Educational-Entertaining!
It's not really a farm, as they don't raise them for their skins, it's more of a zoo and nature preserve. It's the oldest longest running Alligator show I know of, at 100+ years and when your in the Nation's oldest city of St. Augustine- you should check it out, it's more fun than you would expect!!
I was first there as a kid, now I've brought my son there twice, once when he was 5 and this month on Spring Break at the wild age of 10, he loved it even more, though the dare to jump across the 'gator pit was not taken up this time! (But he did agree to take a photo with a python around his neck while holding a young gator). If your really crazy or want to prove your crazy, for $55 you can take your photo on top of a 17ft 'gator, just don't step on his tail when you try to mount his back!!
There is sooo much to see, you can spend an afternoon here easy, with the parrot show, 'Gator feeding show, Vulture feeding show and long wooden bridge-ways throughout a natural heron nesting tree plush swamp area, beyond all the animal displays. They've got albino gators; rare Chinese gators, salt water crocodiles, all sizes and shapes, where else could you find a 6 ft komondo dragon in captivity? Turtles, tortoises, ducks, lizards and you can feed the gators yourself if you like! Where else can you get up close and personal to a genuine Cottonmouth or Copperhead snake, and a big old Eastern Diamond back rattler(face to glass that is)? Whether you are afraid, despise or appreciate these unique wild animals from the Southern states of America, you will learn about them and knowledge is power, so fear not! There's lots of exotic parrots from all over the world, like the hooded grey cockatoo, Indian peacock and monkeys, marmosets and even a Cobra in the new display area near the Komondo Dragon.
Gomek the 2,000 lb monster gator is dead now and stuffed nicely on display, his place as the top feeding show is taken by a giant "Salty", salt water crocodile from Australia and has an under water viewing area of him near the Cassowary bird of New Guinea.
I didn't see the 'Gator wrestling on the attraction list anymore, I wonder if they outlawed that, boy that was a great show. Not in a redneck way mind you, just very entertaining to see how strong the gators are and also that they can be tickled on thier belly to cause them to let go and are sort of in a trance!
The foods not great for lunch so go to Sonny's BBQ up the road and get a smoked sampler, it's delish'! Try the Smokin Hot BBQ sauce, sweet & sour and Sweet Mild sauce, all good, the hot it the best IMHO. AND Ask for the Mustard BBQ sauce, they keep it behind the counter for regular locals only, it really tasty and unique to FL. Ps. Don't freak out when they bring you a 24 oz glass for your regular sized drink order, as Floridians are avid soda drinkers and consume GULP sized Mtn Dew like nobody's bizness, with all that sugar who needs a "Energy Drink"? HA!
St. Augustine is a beautiful town on the water side, with old spanish archeticture, moss hanging down from old large trees, a great fort to see, great local seafood(cocunut shrimp at O.C. Whites is most excellent), arts and crafts and many historic places to visit, even a Ghost Tour! Lots of charm for the romantic at heart. Thrill Seekers, Check it out now! -
Review from Dawn F.
Decatur, GA
12/31/2010
The Alligator Farm was a great place to go and learn about animals of all types. They give a 20% discount if you are a member at your local zoo. Feeding the alligators with the quarter fed machines was fun for my son. Seeing the varieties of alligators and crocodiles from around the world was very interesting. Running a park of this nature is expensive, so I did not mind the fees. The enjoyment and education were well worth the price. Looking forward to the zip line course that they are creating.
