Bright Businesses: The Alligator Attraction

is built on one simple thing:

Michael's love for alligators.

During his first visit to Gatorland, Michael fell in love with gators. He was eight. Over the past 30 years, he has had hundreds of pet alligators and trained dozens more.

More than 17 years ago he founded the Gator Crusader. Its purpose:

“Changing the world, one alligator show at a time," as stated on Michael's website mission statement. "To champion the cause of moral principles through nature, conservation and alligators, and provide entertainment safely through a non-denominational, basic Christian foundation.”

Last year Michael got severely bit on his arm while working with an alligator in Orlando. During recovery, he decided to come home and merge Gator Crusader entertainment with The Alligator Attraction indoor alligator park.

Bob Barrett and his wife, Gail, opened the indoor attraction last November and partnered with their stepson, Michael Womer.

Michael has developed a close relationship with one gator in particular, Chewie. She is a seven-foot celebrity that has been featured on Animal Planet and the Travel Channel. Michael Womer raised and trained the TV star, and types all of her Twitter posts (since she hasn't learned how to use a computer yet).

Visitors can see Chewie along with many of her friends at The Alligator Attraction, and help feed the gators with a fishing poll and bait over an 8x8 foot tank.

Watch the gators swarm around the lushes bait, fling themselves into the air, and make the first-time trainees look like professional gator feeders. All trainees receive a lime green “Official Gator Trainer” sticker.

As proof of bravery and expertise, visitors can take pictures with two-year-old Cupcake or four-year-old Fido.

Have you ever thought about inviting an alligator to your next swimming pool party?

Chewie, Cupcake, Fido and numerous other friends at The Alligator Attraction frequently attend birthday parties, summer camps, swimming pool parties, and wedding receptions.

"We put the gator right into the pool and have a swimming pool party," Barrett said. "People love it."

Looking for gator jewelry? From gator tooth necklaces, dangle earrings, and charm bracelets, the attraction sells dozens of gator fashion accessories. Or perhaps just a cute and cuddly gator stuffed animal? The Alligator Attraction has a wide variety of gator merchandise.

"We have gators that growl, gators that squeak, gators that hug," Barrett said.

The Alligator Attraction purchases the gators from local gator farms. The staff feeds, raises, and takes care of all the gators belonging to the attraction.

“This is their home," Barrett said.

To eliminate accidental chopping and dilute friendly competition, the alligators are housed with other similar-sized gator friends.

Larger-sized alligators belonging to The Alligator Attraction, are housed in outside sanctuaries located in Tarpon Springs and Orlando.

Admission for The Alligator Attraction is $1 for kids, $2 for adults, and $5 for a family up to 8 people. There are additional costs for feeding, holding, and taking pictures with the gators.

The attraction is open Monday - Saturday from 11a.m. to 9p.m., and Sunday from Noon to 9p.m. 

The Alligator Attraction is located at 12987 Village Boulevard upstairs at John's Pass.