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St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

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The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of Florida's oldest continuously running attractions, having opened on May 20, 1893.[3] It has 24 species of crocodilians, and also a variety of other reptiles, mammals and birds, as well as exhibits, animal performances and educational demonstrations.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Map
Date openedMay 20, 1893
LocationSt. Augustine, Florida, United States
Land areamore than 7 acres (28,000 m2)
MembershipsAZA[1]
Websitewww.alligatorfarm.com
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Historic District
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is located in Florida
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is located in the United States
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
LocationSt. Johns County, Florida
Coordinates29°52′53″N 81°17′18″W / 29.88139°N 81.28833°W / 29.88139; -81.28833
Built1937
NRHP reference No.92001232[2]
Added to NRHPSeptember 10, 1992

History

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The park began in 1893 on St. Augustine Beach as a minor attraction at the end of a railway running through neighboring Anastasia Island. The alligators were added at first to get visitors to buy souvenirs and see the museum there. Soon, the reptiles themselves became the main point of interest.

Growing in popularity, the park moved to its current location in the early 1920s. The park changed owners in the 1930s, and, after a devastating fire, they started reconstruction and expansion of the facilities. In 1993, for their 100-year anniversary, the park became the first place in the world to display every species of crocodilian.

 
From FL-A1A in 2019

In 2008, the zoo opened a new Komodo dragon facility that also exhibits lizards and snakes found within Southeast Asia.

National historic status

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On September 10, 1992, the Alligator Farm was designated a U.S. Historic District. As such, it was referred to as the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Historic District. According to the National Register of Historic Places, it covers less than 1 acre (4,000 m2), and contains one building and one structure.[2]

Collection

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As of 2012, this was the only place where one can see every species of alligator, crocodile, caiman and gharial. Over the years, the zoo has expanded to include mammals, birds, and other reptiles.[4]

The farm is home to Chance the Snapper.

Crocodilians

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Other reptiles

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Birds

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Mammals

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Rookery

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The back section of the park contains a large bird rookery, where free-roaming local bird species such as egrets, herons, wood storks and roseate spoonbills nest and rear their young.

Affiliations

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The park is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)[1] and the Florida Attraction Association.[5]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  2. ^ a b "National Register of Historical Places - Florida (FL), St. Johns County". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 15, 2007.
  3. ^ Virtual Views at OldCity.com
  4. ^ "FULL SPECIES LIST - St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park".
  5. ^ "Florida Attractions Association". floridaattractions.org. Florida Attractions Association. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
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