Florida ~ Day 2
Today we went to Gatorland! GB has been so excited to come here ever since Carol mentioned it as a possibility. Every time we discussed what we might do, he reiterated that he wanted to come HERE!
These were all our kids on the fake alligator.
I thought these airplants growing on the Cyprus trees were cool.
GB cools off in the Gatorland splash zone. He and several boys had an epic water battle.
If you look to the center of this photo you’ll see an egg. It was the same size as a chicken’s egg. But these were tiny, little baby alligators.
Is the thrill apparent enough? GB thought this was the greatest experience EVER! As a mom, I was very relieved to see the little guy’s mouth taped closed. It may not make the alligator happy, but it helped my nerves tremendously. 
This was Chester the Alligator. He was HUGE!
If you ever head to Florida, and would like to make Gatorland one of your highlights, GB thought this was how you should experience the visit:
Things we learned about alligators:
- Alligators are different from Crocodiles. Alligators have a very broad, wide snout, and crocodiles have a narrower snout and jaw. Also crocodiles often have a lower tooth that juts out noticeably, while an alligator’s fourth tooth is hidden.
- Like snakes, we learned that the gender of an alligator can be determined by the temperature of the egg during incubation. Warmer temperatures will produce males.
- Algae-laden waters produce greener alligators; alligators from waters with a lot of tannic acid from overhanging trees are often darker.
- Alligators are only native to two countries; The United States and China.
- GB was quite dismayed to find out that Alligator nuggets were on the menu at Gatorland’s food bar.
Glad you’re back, Robin! Or, I’m assuming you’re home anyway. It looks like you had a great time! I know GB must have just loved Gatorland. And what fun to be in touch with and get to visit old friends like this…
Comment by Christine — April 5, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
Wow! What an awesome experience! Thanks for sharing all your pictures & video. I don’t know that we’ll EVER make it to Florida - we don’t know anyone who lives there - but this would be at the top of JediBoy’s list, for sure!
Comment by
piseco — April 5, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
What fun! That Chester sure is a healthy looking fellow!!!Wow!!
Thanks for sharing!
Comment by
lapazfarm — April 5, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
Ok, I know we’d LOVE to go to Gatorland. What fun! I love your videos, too. How are you making those? You’ll have to share your secrets because they look so professional!
GB looks thrilled to be holding a gator while a snake is wrapped around his neck. And, while I was watching the gators eat, I was wondering how I ever let my daughter get so close to them… in the wild!!!
Comment by Dana — April 6, 2008 @ 9:49 pm