A STORY MORE THAN 125 YEARS IN THE MAKING
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late nineteenth century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and soon became a quintessential Florida attraction. Today it functions as a modern zoo serving the public and the scientific community with educational shows and exhibits, important research, and worldwide conservation efforts. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s history as an attraction and an accredited zoo is nearly as exciting as zipping across the Alligator Lagoon on Crocodile Crossing, the park’s thrilling zip-line attraction
SEE OUR TIMELINE BELOW, AND CLICK HERE TO READ OUR FULL HISTORY
History Timeline:
1893
Founded
The South Beach Alligator Farm and
Burning Springs Museum in the 1890s
1920
Moved to
current location
The original entrance to the Alligator
Farm, which overlooked Old Quarry Road,
burned down in 1936.
1937
Sold to W.I. Drysdale
& F. Charles Usina
W.I. Drysdale and Charlie Usina
moving a reluctant alligator
1940s
Began acquiring animals
from other alligator farms, zoos, and museums
Radio interview in the alligator lagoon
‘40s & ‘50s
Exposure grows! The
Alligator Farm becomes a household name
The main building of the St. Augustine
Alligator Farm, around 1947
1970s
Scientists from UF begin
research on premises
Tourists observe alligators on
the bridge in the Lagoon.
1970s
Exhibits improved, additions include the theater and the rookery boardwalk
Famed naturalist Ross Allen gives a lecture on alligators to visitors in the new roofed theater.
1989
Association of Zoos &
Aquariums grants the zoo accreditation
1993
Land of Crocodiles opens
This addition brings 24 species of the world’s crocodilians to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.
2001
Anastasia Island Conservation Center opens
This assists the continuation of our mission for education and conservation.
2011
Crocodile Crossing Zip Line opens
2014
Python Challenge Climbing Wall opens
2018
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm celebrates its 125th year
2018
Oasis on the Nile opens
Egyptian artifacts, replicas of famous antiquities, and of course
our stunning Nile crocodiles
2019
Sloth Landing opens
Featuring two Hoffman’s two-toed sloths in a rainforest habitat shared
with other species from the tropics
