by Glen Howard

Created on: February 17, 2009

Everglades Alligator Farm
The best and safest place to see alligators around Miami is the Everglades Alligator Farm. The farm's official address is 40351 S.W. 192 Avenue, Homestead FL 33034. Their website address is, http://www.everglades.com, and their phone number is 305-247-2628. The farm is located on the outskirts of Everglades National Park. It has over 2000 alligators of various ages. Tourist from around the world visit the area just to see the alligators, so you can be sure its worth your time. You may see these alligators during a nature walk or airboat tour. The farm is open daily from 9am 6pm. The cost of farm and airboat ride is $19 for adults and $12.00 for children, while for the farm experience only is $13.50 for adult and $8.50 for children.

The farm started as a family-owned airboat attraction in 1982, but became a commercial alligator farm in 1985, when due to the pending extinction of alligators, farming of their specie was permitted

The largest breeding ponds provide a more natural setting for the alligators with plenty of space and vegetation for females to nest in privacy. Once eggs are laid, the females are taken to special incubation areas. Babies are kept in growout pens until they are about four months old. This givies visitors the chance to see them.

There are hourly wildlife shows or feedings at the farm.This is usually announced over the PA system. At the Alligator Show, watch handlers sit on top of gators, pry open their jaws, and demonstrate capture techniques. You may be given a chance to hold a baby alligator during shows.

Jungle Island

Another area where you have the opportunity to see alligators is the Jungle Island, a tropical garden setting with much wildlife. It is located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132. Their phone number is 305-400-7000 and their website address is http://www.jungleisland.com/contact_us.php . The whole family is welcomed. The facility is opened daily from 10am - 6pm. Entry cost for adults, children and seniors is; $29.95, $23.95 and $27.95 respectively.

The alligators can be seen at the show called Gator X-treme. This show depicts risky encounters between men and alligators.

In a Pond or Lake

Alligators may be seen in a pond or lake near you. There have been many reported cases of alligators spotted in such manner. If it scares you or you think it's too risky just try to stay away from ponds and lakes as best as possible. Even if you are not scared you should exercise caution in approaching such areas. This is as real as it gets in seeing alligators around Miami.

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