New Life, New Digs for the Alligator Attraction

Some businesses expand slowly.  They create a dedicated following, waiting for word of mouth to build a solid foundation.  Others, such as Bob Barrett's Alligator Attraction, strike quickly; bursting onto the scene (here: Madeira Beach's John's Pass) in a fury of teeth and scales.

Speaking with manager Lewis Gaff, Madeira Beach's Alligator Attraction has tripled in size over the last six months (from 925 sq. ft. to 3100).  Expanding its reptilian empire from a couple of shows to birthday parties, more education, and even a non-alligator up-start star.

One of the biggest additions at the Alligator Attraction's new location is its elevator access.  Now allowing for "school field trips [and] summer camps" to visit; as well as also being "very wheelchair accessible."  The new location having "lots of space [and] no small hallways" so that everyone can get close to the exhibits.

This access ties in with the Alligator Attraction's main focus: education.  Lewis and team use a "rewards-based system" to train the gators and educate the public.  Starting with the ever-popular feeding tank.  Where children and parents alike feed the gators under expert tutelage.

While the gators are being fed, it's stressed that they're not being domesticated.  Rather than just being fed, the gators are taught here, under the watchful gaze of gator guru-in-training, Sarah Johnson, "that it's hard to catch food.  In the wild it would take an alligator a couple days or even a week" to catch an adequate meal.  So here the gators must swim, jump, and compete for their food.

This training comes to a head with the new star of the show, Clyde (a/k/a Dennis the Menace).  Clyde is a seven and a half foot alligator who resides in his own enclosure; much the way his predecessor Chewie did before him.  Clyde's still too wild to be let out of the water when performing; a condition that allows the Attraction to provide a more dynamic show.  As you learn about gators, you'll also be watching the gators themselves learn.

(The Alligator Attraction's other big draw, to everyone's chagrin, is Rudolph, a 85-lb. African land tortoise.  Since Rudolph, unlike his floor-mates, is allowed to roam freely, he's quickly "[become] the star of the show."  Despite having "45 alligators… everybody's more fascinated with [him].")

All these elements converging for the Alligator Attraction's biggest endeavor: birthday parties.  That's right, the Attraction is now offering four different types of parties.  

The first two are where the Attraction now hosts the party.  Two packages: one including the tour, training, feeding another of the Alligator Attraction's new addition: koi fish, and holding an alligator.  The other expands on this; throwing drinks, a cake, games, and crafts into the mix.  

Basic Party: $100 for a 10-child party; $10 each additional child. Expanded: $150 for a group of 10; $10 each additional child. 

Saving the best for last, the last two parties has the Alligator Attraction bringing an "alligator to your house or to your swimming pool."  Bringing the alligator "out to [your] house and [then doing] a little bit of education (training/feeding show), music, everyone [getting] to touch/hold the alligator."  Then the payoff: the alligator gets put in the pool, it becomes acclimated, and the kids join him for a once in a lifetime experience.

House Party: $150 plus mileage.  Pool Party: $175 plus mileage.

The Alligator Attraction 

12995 Village Blvd

John's Pass Village

Madeira Beach, FL 33708

(727) 329-8751

You can now Like them on Facebook here!

Safety is, of course, first and foremost here, so there's always an attendant on hand near the alligators; who, if they're being handled, have their mouth taped shut with specially designed gator tape.