Gatorama, a Slice of Old Florida

Many Floridians back in the 1950s believed visitors drove to the Sunshine State for three things: to see the beautiful beaches that surrounds Florida; to see the bounty of orange groves (with a crop of nearly 90 million boxes in the 1950s); and to see an alligator, the state reptile. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida is home to about 1.3 million alligators, 67 of those calling Gatorama home.

Mr. Cecil Clemons made it easy for tourists to see an alligator; he opened Gatorama in 1957 on U.S. 27, then a two-lane road in Palmdale, Florida.

When Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, there were about 70 roadside attractions in Florida. Today, there are less than a dozen of those original attractions operating, with Gatorama being one, thanks to Patty and Allen Register, the current owners. Patty’s father purchased Gatorama in 1987.

Over the decades, Gatorama has evolved from a basic roadside attraction to a working alligator farm, an American crocodile breeding facility, and a popular attraction with hands-on activities to entertain generations of families. In addition to alligators, the facility has crocodiles, monkeys, bobcats, the Florida panther, raccoons, peacocks, ducks, geese, pythons and more. It also has a petting zoo with goats, ponies, a donkey and pigs.

Owner Patty Register said that Gatorama has a “reputation of being the most hands-on alligator farm in the state because we offer so many opportunities with an alligator with your hands.”

To see more, please visit their web site: www.gatorama.com
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5x26Zs9MlE