St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Encyclopedia
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is one of Florida
's oldest continuously running attractions, having opened on May 20, 1893. Not only does it have over 20 species of crocodilians, but also a variety of other reptile
s, mammal
s, and bird
s, as well as exhibits, animal performances and educational demonstrations. The address is 999 Anastasia Boulevard.
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 souvernirs and see the museum there. Soon, though, the reptiles themselves became the 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.
As of 2010, this is still the only place where you can see every species of alligator, crocodile, caiman, and gharial. Over the years the zoo has expanded to include exotic monkeys and birds as well as other impressive reptiles. The bird collection alone boasts some species not often seen in other zoos, including hornbills, cassowary, Cape Griffon Vultures, and Pesquet's parrots. In 2008 the zoo opened a new Komodo Dragon facility that also exhibits other reptiles from Indonesia.
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 acres (4,046.9 m²), and contains 1 building and 1 structure.
(AZA) and the Florida Attraction Association.
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
's oldest continuously running attractions, having opened on May 20, 1893. Not only does it have over 20 species of crocodilians, but also a variety of other reptile
Reptile
Reptiles are members of a class of air-breathing, ectothermic vertebrates which are characterized by laying shelled eggs , and having skin covered in scales and/or scutes. They are tetrapods, either having four limbs or being descended from four-limbed ancestors...
s, mammal
Mammal
Mammals are members of a class of air-breathing vertebrate animals characterised by the possession of endothermy, hair, three middle ear bones, and mammary glands functional in mothers with young...
s, and bird
Bird
Birds are feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic , egg-laying, vertebrate animals. Around 10,000 living species and 188 families makes them the most speciose class of tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from...
s, as well as exhibits, animal performances and educational demonstrations. The address is 999 Anastasia Boulevard.
History
The parkPark
A park is a protected area, in its natural or semi-natural state, or planted, and set aside for human recreation and enjoyment, or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. It may consist of rocks, soil, water, flora and fauna and grass areas. Many parks are legally protected by...
began in 1893 on St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
St. Augustine Beach is a city in St. Johns County, Florida, United States. The population was 4,683 at the 2000 census. As of 2007, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 6,002....
as a minor attraction
Attraction
In general, an attraction draws one object towards another one. The term may have the following specific meanings.* In physics, attraction may refer to gravity or to the electromagnetic force* Attractiveness...
at the end of a railway running through neighboring Anastasia Island
Anastasia Island
Anastasia Island is a barrier island which is approximately long located off the northeast Atlantic coast of Florida in the United States. The island is located east and southeast of St. Augustine. It is separated from the mainland by the Matanzas River, part of the Intracoastal waterway, Matanzas...
. The alligators were added at first to get visitors to buy souvernirs and see the museum there. Soon, though, the reptiles themselves became the 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.
As of 2010, this is still the only place where you can see every species of alligator, crocodile, caiman, and gharial. Over the years the zoo has expanded to include exotic monkeys and birds as well as other impressive reptiles. The bird collection alone boasts some species not often seen in other zoos, including hornbills, cassowary, Cape Griffon Vultures, and Pesquet's parrots. In 2008 the zoo opened a new Komodo Dragon facility that also exhibits other reptiles from Indonesia.
National historic status
On September 10, 1992, the Alligator Farm was designated a U.S.United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Historic District. As such, it was referred to as the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Historic District. According to the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, it covers less than 1 acres (4,046.9 m²), and contains 1 building and 1 structure.
Affiliations
The park is a member of the Association of Zoos and AquariumsAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums was founded in 1924 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.The AZA headquarters is located in Silver...
(AZA) and the Florida Attraction Association.