When you think of farm animals, which come to mind? Did you say alligators, snakes, and gigantic turtles? No? While most farms house chickens, horses, cows, and sheep, there is one unique ranch in Colorado that boasts one of the strangest collections of animals you have ever seen… and you are going to want to visit:
Located in Mosca near the Great Sand Dunes is the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, whose mission it is to “maintain an integrated ecosystem while providing educational opportunities and viable farm products.”
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Established in 1987 (after the owners bought 100 baby alligators to clean the waste from their tilapia farm) and opened to the public in 1990, Colorado Gators is home to hundreds of reptiles that range from the aforementioned alligators…
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
…to exotic snakes…
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
…all the way to large iguanas, turtles, and even birds.
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
How did the farm grow to have all of these different animals? Shortly after opening in 1990, people with unwanted reptiles began dropping them off at Colorado Gators, leading to the decision to turn the oasis into a full-blown sanctuary.
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
When you visit the gator farm today, you will have the opportunity to not only see these amazing creatures, but to also hold them, as every guest is given the chance to “meet, pet, hold, and take pictures with a little alligator!”
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
Feeling brave? For an additional fee (and priceless bragging rights), you can even wrestle one of the alligators at the farm!
Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
The Colorado Gators Reptile Park is located at 9162 Ln 9 N. in Mosca and is open every day during the winter (November 5th - February 28th) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Want to see even more unique animals? Then check out There’s A Wildlife Park Near Denver That’s Perfect For A Family Day Trip.
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Colorado Gator Farm Facebook
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