Colorado Gators Reptile Park

Colorado Gators Reptile Park was opened to the public in 1990, in Mosca, Colorado, United States. Located Шаблон:Convert north of Alamosa, Colorado, it started as a tilapia farm in 1977, and now includes a bird sanctuary, reptile rescue, education, and display, and a biodome.

A geothermal well on the property creates ponds and wetlands for the alligators, but also provides habitat and food for many water-birds and waterfowl. The "Two Mile Creek Wildlife Habitat" lets visitors view alligators, reptiles, and birds in a natural setting, and to go fishing, boating, and picnicking. Over 125 species of birds have been sighted at the farm.

History

In 1977, Erwin and Lynne Young purchased Шаблон:Convert on which they started a farm to grow tilapia and African perch. The farm includes a geothermal well that is used to keep the water at a temperature appropriate for the fish. In 1987, they purchased 100 1-year old alligators to help dispose of fish-processing waste. The alligators grew, and locals wanted to see them, so the farm was opened to the public in 1990.

Over the years, the farm has also become home to many reptiles that are unwanted, abused, and sometimes dangerous, when people discover that they can no longer care for them. One of the goals of the farm is to help educate the public as to the challenges and dangers of trying to keep reptiles as pets.

Events

The farm holds "Gatorfest" on the first weekend in August each year. This is world's first Gator Rodeo and Roundup, and includes roping, riding, and barrel racing.

Education

Education programs created by the Colorado Gators Reptile Park aim to teach people about the biology, behavior, and ecological role of reptiles, as well as which reptiles make good pets and which will eventually get big enough to become impossible to handle. The programs include live specimens such as turtles, tortoises, alligators, snakes, and lizards, some of which the audience is allowed to touch.

See also

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Colorado
23 January 2012
See and even handle some of the more than 300 alligators, including an albino alligator named Mr. Bo Mangles, and other scaly critters like pythons, caimans and snapping turtles.
Jeff Burnor
8 January 2011
A must see if you're driving south through colorado! 400 live gators and other reptiles, and the staff is great!
Patti Maxwell Hines
2 May 2014
This is an amazing place to visit, so much to see...
Michelle Kehoe
3 June 2012
Absolutely take the class to wrestle the alligators!
Stacie Duncan
22 June 2014
Awesome! :)
Scott Smith
23 July 2011
Go to the bathroom before or after you come.
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409 people have been here
Map
9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA Get directions
Sat 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sun 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Mon 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tue 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wed 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Thu 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

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