Time to celebrate the most iconic, toothy locals in the Sunshine State... the American alligator! At Wild Florida, we’re a little gator-obsessed (okay… a lot gator-obsessed). In fact, we created National Alligator Day on May 29th to shine a big, scaly spotlight on these prehistoric creatures.
From their powerful jaws to their glow-in-the-dark eyes, gators are packed with wild traits that keep us amazed every single day. So get ready to learn some jaw-dropping facts about Florida’s swamp residents!
Why Was National Alligator Day Created?
Back in February 2021, we decided it was time to officially celebrate one of Florida’s most fascinating and misunderstood animals. Alligators are more than just cool-looking reptiles. They’re key players in our ecosystem and a living link to prehistoric times.
National Alligator Day gives us a chance to spotlight their strength, share their story and remind everyone how important it is to protect these wild creatures. Plus, it's a fun way to show off just how unique they really are.
As Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida, explains, education is at the heart of it all: "It's our mission to help people better understand alligators and the best way to see them in their natural habitat is aboard one of our airboats." Those up-close experiences are exactly why we created National Alligator Day—to inspire curiosity, respect and a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals.
National Alligator Day Timeline
35 Million Years Ago – Ancient Origins
Alligators first appeared on Earth over 35 million years ago
1967 – Listed as Endangered
Due to habitat loss and overhunting, the American alligator was placed on the endangered species list.
1987 – Alligators Declared Fully Recovered
After years of conservation efforts, the American alligator was removed from the endangered species list, becoming a major success story for wildlife recovery in the U.S.
2010 – Wild Florida Opens
Wild Florida opens its gates, offering airboat tours, animal encounters and educational experiences that help visitors connect with wildlife, including our beloved gators.
2021 – Wild Florida Establishes National Alligator Day
Wild Florida launched National Alligator Day on May 29 to raise awareness about these incredible reptiles and help visitors understand their vital role in Florida’s ecosystem.
Fun Facts About Alligators
Think you know gators? Think again! These toothy reptiles are full of surprises. Check out some of our favorite jaw-dropping facts:
- They can glow in the dark: At night, shine a light across Florida waters and you might spot a pair of glowing eyes staring back at you. That eerie shine comes from a layer in their eyes that helps them see better in the dark.
- Alligators don’t chew... they chomp: With up to 80 teeth at a time and bite forces up to 2,000 pounds, they’re built to crush, not chew. They swallow chunks whole!
- Mama gators are surprisingly sweet: Female alligators are fierce protectors. They guard their nests and gently carry hatchlings in their mouths to the water.
- Cold-blooded, but cool under pressure: Alligators can slow their heart rate to just two beats per minute and hold their breath underwater for up to twenty minutes.
- Florida is full of them: The Sunshine State is home to over 1.3 million alligators, living in swamps, lakes, rivers and even the occasional backyard pond.
How to Celebrate National Alligator Day
Book AN Airboat Ride
Kick off National Alligator Day with an unforgettable adventure on one of our airboat tours. You’ll glide across the headwaters of the Everglades, spotting alligators in their natural habitat and learning why these ancient reptiles are such an important part of Florida’s wild side. It’s one of the most thrilling and educational ways to experience the real Florida.
Visit Our Gator Park
After your ride, head over to our Gator Park, where hundreds of alligators are waiting to say hello. The best part is that admission is free with your airboat tour ticket!
Make sure to stop by and see Crusher, our 13-foot-long gator legend. You can also catch a live gator feeding show at 11:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. Our experts will walk you through what makes these reptiles so powerful, so misunderstood and so important to Florida’s environment.
Feeling brave? Grab some gator feed and try feeding the gators yourself at our Gator Pond, home to a whole crowd of hungry reptiles.
Rock Gator Merch
Before you head out, be sure to stop by the gift shop and grab a piece of the adventure to take home. You'll find a variety of gator-themed goodies for the whole family!
Little ones will love cuddling up with our adorable albino gator plushies, while older kids can sport a gator tooth necklace and show off their wild side. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir to remember your unforgettable day at Wild Florida.
By celebrating National Alligator Day during Gator Week—a week filled with fun shows, gator games, and myth-busting facts—you’re supporting conservation efforts that protect Florida’s most iconic reptile and help keep the wild, wild.
